NTU fledgling Rebel Rong is in the news again, but not necessarily for the wrong reasons this time round. RR was spotted queueing up at the SIR building in Lavender despite having an early morning lecture by Doctor Tom Browne in NIE.

Our spies in the SIR revealed that RR was on location to edit his birthname, Yung Keng Seng by adding an English name, Anthony. His full name now reads Anthony Yung Keng Seng, or Anthony Rong, which is very much preferred by the man himself.

The self proclaimed man who's done it all (however the editors are quick to remind him that he has yet to win an interhall or IVP gold medal) is adamant that this is not a publicity move. At the current stage of his life, he is indeed blessed and fortunate to be able to be Anthony.

"NTU has got a quirky Yongyao by Day, Jed by night. I however desire to be known as Anthony both day and night. I need no more publicity in life than I can handle right now. When you single handedly cause the complete ownage of Malaysia on the field, you really don't need to create news intentionally for yourself." says RR, who was the body double of HK commedian Stephen Chow's preferred sidekick in the 90s before he discovered his talents on the rugby field.

When news spread around the community of this bold move, it was received with mixed reactions.

NTU captain SK was nonchalant about it. "Anthony Rong or Rebel Rong, he has got to show passion and composure in order to make my team. The only stars are in the sky."

"I used to be chummy with Rebel Rong. Nowadays it seems like having the name Anthony has really changed him. For the better or worse its still to be seen, but it seems like I have really lost a friend. What the f*** is Anthony, give me back Rebel Rong anytime." LTA Tang Chong Kiat replied with a sigh, sneaking out of camp for 5minutes to receive this interview.

First of all, NTU rugby would like to apologise for the refreshingly boring front in recent weeks. However, striving to not to associated with our national counterpart whose website has been down since last winter, we shall bring forward our prestigious annual NTU coach of the year nominations! Our NTU selectors have carefully handpicked 3 most eligible coaches who will stand a chance to be nominated as NTU coach 2007/08

Standing first in line, NTU coach for 2006/07 - Lincoln Tan. Under Tan's guidance, NTU were runners up at the NUS 7s and Tri-Univeristy Cup last season. However, Tan's contract ended last season and despite efforts to get his signature for a renewal, he refused to put pen to paper just yet. With his experience and knowledge of the present squad, NTU selectors are confident that he could the man to lead NTU to greater achievements this year.

Next up, we have our new player but starlet-no-more - Rebel Rong. Based on his coaching credentials and aspirations to become a teaching professional, NTU Rugby Union would like to further welcome Rong on board by offering him a Player/Coach position. Although, rumours has it that Rong will most probably be offered the position as forwards coach, but nonetheless, his involvement with the squad will be a great boost to us. Only one factor is holding NTU back from offering him the contract. He has recently been observed to be showing signs of schizophrenia with his alter ego going by the name of Anthony. Further checks will be conducted before the offer will be made.

Our third and final nominee is no stranger to our fans. Daniel "Potato" Thiam is definitely on of the nominees for Head coach this year. Potato made it clear to NTU Rugby that he is available for the job by refusing the only job offer he had since graduating 3 months ago. Even after his contract has ended last season and the retirement from the NTU Rugby editorial, his passion for NTU never ceased. Apparently, he has agreed to a loan deal for an undisclosed fee with NIE which will see him return to the west side in 2008. Potato has great deal of experience playing 4 years of rugby for NTU and was also the captain for NTU in 2005/06. Even though he took on the jersey number 13 every time he takes the field, he was never featured as a center for NTU. With his skills and camaraderie with the players, he is definitely one of the favourites this year.

Other names have been considered and rejected by our selectors but the search is still on. Therefore, till the very day the new coach is announced, anyone is possible to take the helm.

Readers and fans are welcomed to give their comments on our tagboard.

In this highly anticpated last and final instalment to our four part special on "The Unveiling", NTU Rugby proudly presents the last member of our famous quartet. However, as our avid fans and loyal refreshers should know this promised article was seriously delayed by a few setbacks.

Following the release of the identity of our first 3 pioneers, we received complaints from the trio that their privacy has been invaded by huge number of fans every single day.

As our Fourth Pioneer still currently walks the grounds of NTU, threats to his safety and the possibility of his daily routine being disrupted if his identity is disclosed to the public was the main reason that this final instalment to the series was cut.

But to satisfy our starved fans, NTU rugby has decided to unveil the partial details of our fourth pioneer. Till the day that he is completely safe from any harrassment, then will the complete details of the fourth pioneer be released.

This last member of the Quartet made the pioneers complete with all heights and sizes - mainly Tall/Short, Heavy or Light (in your own combinations).

This pioneer's main responsibilties were to provide our fans with match previews and also current updates on our players as well as the latest transfer news in varsity rugby.

SRC vs SAFSA

With most of the matches cancelled/postponed for this round of this year's NRC, this is the only match that was played as scheduled. Backed by the bright sunshine of the evening sun, the Recs took on the Army boys at Turf City.
The match kicked off at 1700hrs with the Recs taking the field with their white/red jerseys and SAFSA in navy blue. A strong support for both teams was well represented by approximately 30 spectators. Amongst the crowd, the current national 7s coaches as well as the NTU selectors were spotted.
One of the main reasons for their appearance could be that there were a few NTU players as well as alumnis playing for the Recs. Current winger/fullback - Aminurashid and New signing center/Winger - Sidney Kumar started for the Recs spotting number 11 and 14 respectively.
With new found confidence and weight, Aminurashid displayed great handling skills under the ball as well as amazing speed to race down 20m to score the first try for the Recs.
Starlet, Sidney was also seen on many occasions given the ball strong into contact and did well retaining possesion for the team. But he was also spotted standing still in deep thoughts during the game. When approached, he said " oh.. i was thinking about tonight la..got hall camp and its OG night! the girls are awesome!"
Despite having a 15-0 lead at half time, SRC's temporory lack of concentration in the 2nd half allowed SAFSA's fullback to use his own trick in the bag - kick and chase, to score their first try of the game. The tired SRC side started to lower their intensity and pace and allow the youthful SAFSA boys to run at them. With every single attack getting hit backwards by a resurgent SAFSA side, SRC's resolute defence finally cracked open and allow the boys in blue to put in 2 more tries.
The match ended with SAFSA emerging victorious with a scoreline of 19-15. The crowd was stunned by the result and an awkward silence could be felt when the final whistle was blown.
The spirit of the SAFSA boys impressed our NTU selectors but more importantly, our selectors are glad that our NTU boys are coping and doing well in their clubs.
Ex NTU captain who is currently unemployed - Potato Thaim said - "Its good to see our boys playing and coping well with club rugby, it is important for them to get more exposure before the new ivp season starts again."