A great gathering last evening at Jing Hao’s mansion has seen the NTU rugby team take a bold step in transforming into a close-knit group. The welcoming session for the Year Ones was capped off by a smoky (literally as well) speech by an already alcohol-intoxicated Arjun.

Though the speech was focused mainly on debt collection, the main goals of the upcoming season were delivered across as well. For the freshies who missed it, here’s the gist of it.

“The Bangkok trip will be $280 (Takes a puff, abbreviated - TAP). If you can’t pay, let me know. We’ll work something out (TAP). … Hope you guys will enjoy this season (TAP) and enjoy playing rugby (TAP). … SMU are our friends (TAP). … For now , let’s drink (TAP). …”

The get-to-know-each-other session also saw the appearances of our NTU alumnees, Joel ‘Original Stickman’ Jiang, Raphael ‘Mr. Singapore’ Yang, Alan(jiao) and ‘Dragon’ Flin. (You wouldn’t want to know why he’s known as Dragon, so don’t ask.) Sorely missed was Cliff ‘When’s dinner’ Yap as he was unable to make it due to the graveyard shift.

Special mention has to go to Praga, who spent much of his time cooking most of the food for the seniors during the early hours of the BBQ.

“We are extremely pleased with the decent turnout, and we hope future gatherings will garner an even better one,” said the NTU SELECTORS.

“It’s an excellent step forward, and we’ll look to build on this. We keep an eye on the trainings to come as well.”

As the nation continues to develop at a startling pace, it is also equally alarming to note that the majority of our younger generations, the so called pillars of our nation paid scant attention to the contributions of our forefathers. In numerous polls conducted nationwide by both the Straits Times and Rugby-net collaboratively, a disturbing number of young people do not know their roots, and take for granted the prestige that comes along with the many things that they inherited.

In order to turnaround the situation, Rugby-Net has compiled an exclusive list of past NTU legends who made the 'Nan-Tah' crest synonymous with IVP success. In this, Rugby-net aims to educate the young starlets and appreciate the hardwork of their forefathers in turning the trademark black canterbury jersey into a 'Beyond Godlike' status (phrase pliagarised from DOTA)

Chris 'The Dinosaur ' Cheng

Here was a player who first blossomed into a gigantic monster in Gong Shang Primary School, where at the tender age of 12, was selected to play for the Singapore Under19 Water Polo Team. Thereafter, he picked up rugby in SAS and quickly turned into a menace, best known for his big hits and devastating runs. Recognising his potential, NTU capitalised on his somewhat extreme love for kids (Doctors confirmed it a case of paedophilism) and offered him a place in NIE, where he won the IVP for the school.

Off the field, Chris was a dinosaur who never seemed to keep up with times. His favourite invention was still the refridgerator, or rather other people's refridgerator. He was the inaugural winner of the South East Asia Mooncake eating competition, where he wowed the crowds by eating whole mooncakes by the mouthful without ever a need to cut them up.

He was last seen in Australia trying to get some of his friends in Singapore to send him mooncakes.

Christopher Tan Lian Teck aka Ah Lian

Ah Lian, as he was affectionately known in the team was the IVP captain for 03/04 season. It was in his year that NTU last won the IVP gold, specifically his last kick of the game that condemned Temasek Poly to the silver. Despite all his contributions on the field, Ah Lian was better known for his antics out of the field.

A further testament to his leadership and organisational skills saw Ah Lian organise the first ever Hall 3 Mass orgy in the school compound. Invitation to that event was exclusive and it was rumoured that Ah Lian was the only guy involved in the event. The Singapore Zoological Gardens later confirmed that Ah Lian's bizarre request to loan a horse for the event was curtly rejected.

Eager to put the past behind him, Ah Lian is now busy preparing his wedding to a lovely girl, coincidentally also from Hall 3. His new house has everything except a fridge, probably due to the days he hung out with Chris Cheng.

Ah Lian was last seen at Yio Chu Kang stadium catching a high ball and calling for mark in his 10m line.

Aaron Kong - Captain Kong

Capt Kong is the NTU’s most decorated player with 3 major honours, yet he might never have graced The Nanyang Express had it not been for Ah Lian’s intervention.

KK-born Kong was attending NTU's School of Excellence in Engineering in his early teens, but Ah Lian made a personal visit to his house and managed to convince Kong to don the NTU colours.

He turned professional at NTU in probably the 80s. He made his League debut for SRC in the old Grade One against one of the expats clubs at farrer park on 2 March (somewhere in the 80s) as a substitute for another player.

Kong’ impressive trophy haul contains IVP Gold, and many other tournaments held in the 80s. He celebrated 10 years (approx.) at NTU with a testimonial match against TP in 2003/04.

Although SRC's Coach uses Kong more sparingly now, the Kong-ster's importance to the team is still evident. His unlikely partnership with former scottish U-19 player, Charlie in the centre of midfield breathed new life into SRC's 2002/03 season, and was crucial in securing second place behind Bucks in Div 1.

Kong is currently M.I.A. But we will update you once we locate this legend.

Joel 'Original Stickman' Jiang

JJ is a classy and composed scrum-half, equally at home on the ball as he is trying to win it back or break up attacks. By the way, JJ is an affectionate friend of YY.

JJ began his career with St. Andrew's Secondary School – the same club that produced Chris Cheng and Cliff Yap – before beginning his professional career at Lionred’s prestigious youth academy in 1998. Alongside Thiam, JJ played a starring role in winning the 1999 under 20s Rugby Cup final, contributing 1 try of his own.

JJ spent much of 2004/05 sidelined with injury before NTU were outclassed at the end of the season by arch-rivals NUS.

But, seeking to resurrect his Rugby career, JJ returned to SRC to compete in Div 1. Since then JJ has blossomed. His range of passing and vision make him a valuable addition to any team in Singapore. Under the tutelage of SRC's Coach and the NTU players, his talents can mature further still. His guile, passing range and ability to retain possession will make him an asset to SRC.

JJ was last seen at Yio Chu Kang stadium playing as a flanker (???) for SRC.


Cliff 'When's Dinner' Yap

Cliffy is a winger's nightmare. Relentlessly determined and a ruthless hunter of possession (only near the touchline), his characteristics (the round shape) have made him a firm fans' favourite at the Nanyang Express.

The Hooker joined Saints in 1995, aged 13. Another transfer saw Cliffy join Lionred, where he caught the eye of SRC’s scouts. Eventually, a transfer move to SRC was tied up.

His tough-tackling style and infectious determination that won more plaudits than his try-scoring prowess. Cliffy added bite to NTU's lineouts, and his fine first season earned him the "I can eat a meal anytime" Player of the Year award and the IVP gold.

Being one of NTU’s most consistent and committed performers since establishing himself in the side in 2002/03, Cliffy was a natural choice. He enters every game refusing to contemplate defeat. The fans love him for it. His heart on his sleeve and food in his pocket approach doesn't endear him to everyone.

“You want me to remove my food from my pockets and jog back to the rucks? No way.” he said.

"People want rugby players to be leaner than models. Do they want a game of faggots?" (*points at Ralf)

Vocal (asking people when's dinner) and determined (on gettin his food), he'll give his all to achieve it, demanding the same from his team-mates. No excuses.

Cliffy was last heard, "When's Dinner?" (shortly after lunchtime)

Gavin 'Hall 9 slayer' Chia

As a quick learner, Gavin was exposed to the game of rugby during the upper secondary school days in the humble origins of SJI. A brief spell of rugby for mere two years was simply not enough for him to unleash his potential.

He would move on to SAJC, an institution rich in rugby tradition, and develop into an athletic and crafty lock. He would constantly cause trouble for the opposition by forcing crucial turnovers, hitting hard in defence and using his size and power to break through the defence. He was a key performer in the ‘A’ division, and played alongside fellow NTU legend, Cliff ‘When’s dinner’ Yap, leading a fearsome and respected SA forward pack.

Despite not playing during his first year in NTU, he was an integral part of the NTU success in the 2003/04 season. He was named the vice-capt for the 2004/05 season and led the forwards in a valiant title defence.

He is nicknamed the ‘Hall 9 Slayer’ for a good reason. After a certain training session, having his boots and car keys pinched by a random Hall 9 dude, his teammates witnessed an explosion of fury never seen before.

“If I f**king find the fellow who took my stuff, I’ll f**king kill him. I’ll kill all of them and burn the hall down if I have to.”

He has since curbed his violent instincts and now prints dollar notes for a living at Citibank. He was last seen as a spectator during the annual Jim Weir Cup.

He will also be fondly remembered for his retro looking Merz.

Raphael 'Mr Singapore' Yang

Raphael Yang, who captured the MISTER SINGAPORE 2005 title during the MISTER SINGAPORE 2005 pageant is a 22-year-old stunner who stands at 1.85 m tall of Hougang. His incredible charm and confidence won over the judges during the 6th annual MISTER SINGAPORE pageant held at The Pavilion On The Square on Saturday, April 30, 2005.

Before winning the title, Raphael was completing his second year examination at Nanyang Technological University where he is majoring in Accountancy. An extremely bright student, he was alumni of Maris Stella High School and Victoria Junior College and has won the National Schools Colors Award for basketball and Ministry of Education bursary. In the future, Raphael hopes to work for a global investment firm as a banker.

A sports lover who enjoys basketball and volleyball, Raphael is also a competitive rugby player, having taken part in many inter-varsity matches. Describing himself as determined, passionate and individualistic, Raphael would like to help and guide trouble teens and kids find their way in life and help them face their future.

"I was recommended to train with Sgfitness when I first joined Mr Singapore Pageant. I am sure glad I took up the recommendation. Sgfitness not only cut away my fats, my muscle mass increased tremendously in the few short weeks leading to the contest. My confidence level also soared in the swimwear section." - Raphael Yang Mr Singapore 2005

One Men Show Most Promising Star Award : Raphael Yang (Mr. Hougang)
CleverWhite Best Smile : Raphael Yang (Mr. Hougang)

He is currently playing for SRC Div 1. Last seen sun-tanning at Hougang.