Its been confirmed! Former NTU captain - Daniel Potato Thiam will be rejoining NTU Rugby this coming season.

An official press statement was made by NTU Rugby this evening citing that after several meetings with Thiam and his agent, the board and Thiam were finally able to come to a mutual agreement. Thiam has agreed to personal terms of the contract and has already passed the medical examination.

Currently preparing for the upcoming 7s tournament in the South East Asian Games, Thiam will only be available to finalise all proceedings in mid december.

When interviewed over a tele-conference, Thiam expresses his joy of rejoining the warriors and relishes the chance of capturing the elusive Tri-University Gold. "Certainly its great news for me, the team as well as our fans. I believed I'm stronger, fitter and faster than before! Together with our new signings like Rebel Rong and Sidney, I strongly believe we can do it this time!"

Current team members were also delighted with the news. Bryanboy Yik was first to contact the media to welcome Potato Thiam back onto the squad. "With Thiam back, and together with Tze, the team is gonna be damn awesome la! Both of them are always welcomed to bathe and sleep in my room!"

Potato Thiam will officially rejoin NTU on 2 January 2008 on a 1-year loan.

Christopher "Dinosaur" Cheng has admitted he is 'very interested' in applying for the currently vacant post of assistant/forwards coach of NTU. The former NTU flanker/number 8 who has been inducted into the ranks of NTU Legends in 2005, has met with NTU Rugby officials to discuss the position.

NTU has been looking for a new assistant coach since the resignation of Assistant/Forwards coach - Tang Chong Kiat, the day after NTU lost out in the Tri-University Championship early this year.

Dinosaur Cheng, who has been closely monitoring NTU's progress over several seasons, said: "We have a few things to work out. Nothing is finalised but we are fairly close. They are fairly keen to have me on the coaching panel and I am very interested in the job."

"The challenge is appealing. If it comes off, I could not be joining at a better time. They are a young and very talented side, so the only way is up.I hope to have made my mind up before I return to Singapore next week."

However, some critics are less receptive to the news as they believe that Dinosaur Cheng's old school of thought may clash with this year's class of players who have adopted free flowing modern rugby as their main style of play. One supporter commented "It would be difficult for both the coach and the team to work with each other, but perhaps Cheng can produce something surprising and special for NTU rugby.

Another said "Dinosaur Cheng has got to first accept the fact that long sleeved jerseys and knee length socks are no longer part of the modern team kit, then the coach and the boys can work effectively"

Speculation is rising over a second coming of NTU's Prodigal son - Daniel "Potato" Thiam.

Facing the lack of depth in the backs department, NTU Rugby decided to pull a fast one by securing a year-long loan deal which could see Potato Thiam making his way back to the west side and the Tri-University Championship. Negotiations are in progress now and a pending medical exam, NTU Rugby is determined to complete the deal during the January transfer window.

After a successful, gold winning IVP debut campaign, and despite leading NTU to countless successive finals, the former NTU captain has failed to touch gold since. The Bedok Kings Inside Centre who was once self proclaimed himself as "The best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be" NTU player, has been released on a free transfer since last summer upon graduation.

With so much still to play for this season, NTU Rugby will be hoping that Potato Thiam can now turn back the clock and reproduce his once prolific form as NTU chase the elusive Tri-Univeristy glory.