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.”