VIENTIANE, LAOS — The Lao Rugby Federation (LRF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Adrien Xiong as its new Technical Advisor. Adrien will commence the role in August, supporting the Federation’s technical and strategic development over the next 12 months.
Adrien brings experience from the French rugby system, where he currently serves as Conseiller Technique Club – Bassin 4 with the Ligue Régionale Centre-Val de Loire de Rugby. In this role, he works closely with clubs to strengthen coaching, player development and club structures, experience that aligns strongly with the Lao Rugby Federation’s long-term vision for rugby development.
he appointment also marks a meaningful return to Lao rugby. In addition to his rugby career in France, Adrien previously played for the DAC Weredragons, a club established by longtime Lao rugby supporter Phil Groves to strengthen connections between the Lao rugby diaspora and the game in Laos. Through his time with the club, Adrien developed strong relationships across the Lao rugby community and gained a deep understanding of the local rugby landscape.
As Technical Advisor, Adrien will work across the Federation’s rugby programmes, supporting club and competition development, coach education, player pathways and national team systems. He will also work closely with LRF staff to strengthen technical planning, build organisational capability and support delivery of the Federation’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan and World Rugby Union Development Investment Plan.
LRF President Virayouth Rathikoun welcomed the appointment.
“Adrien understands Lao rugby because he has been part of our rugby community as a player, and he also brings valuable experience from one of the world’s leading rugby nations. His appointment will help strengthen our clubs, competitions, player pathways and technical systems as we continue building rugby from the grassroots through to our national teams.”
Adrien’s appointment reflects the Lao Rugby Federation’s ongoing commitment to investing in long-term rugby development and strengthening the foundations of the game across Laos. His work will support not only the continued growth of domestic rugby but also the development of future generations of Lao players, coaches and rugby leaders.