Surf & Turf: Quiksilver gets into Rugby

Industry Updates

Quiksilver Supports the Bali Chillis Rugby Team at XP Bali Rugby Fest 2012

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 3 November, 2012 : - - In the long-standing tradition of supporting surfers and sports men and women of all disciplines in Bali and throughout Indonesia, Quiksilver Indonesia proudly dressed up the 18 member strong Bali Chillis rugby team in their best boardshorts for the XP Bali Rugby Fest 2012, which was held at the Canggu Club from October 12-14.

Arguably the biggest and best club rugby tournament ever held in Indonesia, with men and women from Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Timor Leste, and Singapore coming to compete, the XP Bali Rugby Fest also included a ceremony on October 12th in commemoration of those 27 players and supporters lost in the 2002 Bali Bombings, as well as a Memorial Match played on Sunday October 14th featuring players who had participated in the 2002 Bali International Rugby10s.

Although the Chillis were knocked out in the semifinals, the team put in a sterling effort at not only playing but also helping to organize and run the event over the busy weekend.

The Chillis are a group of 18 expats thatwork as teachers, chippys, or in the garment business in Bali, many of themsurfers such as Greg Hinchliffe, Mark Parthezius, Mick Serong, and DenimMcHardy, so wearing boardshorts is as natural as breathing for many of them.

Team Captain Nick Mesritz had this to sayafter the event: "This year was the 18th running of the Bali Rugby Fest and as has been the tradition since the days of the Chooks (Bali's first rugby team) we have worn boardshorts on and off the field.

Bali and surfing go hand and hand, and with more than half of our team being avid surfers to have Quiksilver step in this year and kit the team out with the latest Cypher boardies was amazing. While we fell short of the final, we were the best dressed team on the weekend and we would like to thank Paul Huston, Holly, Boyd and the Quik crew for their solid support."

Quiksilver SEA CEO Paul Hutson responded saying, "Quiksilver and our employees have had a long history of supporting the football codes in both AFL and Rugby Union in Indonesia. As a large number of the players are local expat surfers and our loyal customers, we felt it natural to be involved in this great event and support our mates. Unfortunately they were pipped at the post this year, but I'm sure they will be back with our support and again next year to take the win.