Then: taking the first step

In 2013, Vatthana Sombatniyom – known to many as Noy – stood on the edge of a school field with a rugby ball in hand. He had recently been selected as a Pass It Back Coach by the Lao Rugby Federation. His role was to support three schools in Vientiane: Kaoliew, Thongpong Secondary, and Thongpong Primary. At the time, Noy thought he would just be coaching rugby.

Soon, he learnt that Pass It Back is more than just rugby. Sessions were not limited to sport – they also included training in skills such as leadership, communication, and goal-setting. As a Coach, he would support players to not only learn how to play the game, but also to develop important life skills. It marked the beginning of a personal transformation that would unfold across the next ten years.

“It felt strange at first,” he says. “However, when I looked back at when I started and compared it to where I am now, I realised I have changed a lot.”

Through his work as a Pass It Back Coach, Noy developed confidence. From being ‘very shy’, he found his voice. He learned to lead, began speaking publicly, took initiative, and mentored others. Today, many of the players and fellow Coaches he once guided have become leaders in their own right.

“I became more confident. I could speak in front of people. I dared to try new things. Those are the biggest changes.”

Leading First AiD in Rugby in Laos

One of the most defining chapters of Noy’s journey with Pass It Back has been his leadership in First Aid in Rugby. During Pass It Back Coach training, Noy had received basic first aid training and was already serving as a first-aider during competitions. As he grew into the role, he completed a First Aid in Rugby (FAIR) Level 1 qualification, which sparked a passion. Noy was then selected to represent the Lao Rugby Federation to become a FAIR Level 1 Educator, it marked a significant turning point.

“At that time, there were no FAIR trainers in Laos. I took the first step on my own, without guidance, and took the initiative to lead the way.”

Following the training, Noy began facilitating FAIR sessions for the rugby community in Laos, helping them build critical first aid skills. Many of those he trained went on to apply their knowledge at competitions for Pass It Back, the Lao League, and the Vientiane International 10s. Several of those he trained have now become Level 1 FAIR Educators.

“One of my proudest achievements is being able to deliver FAIR Level 1 that others carried forward to become Educators themselves.”

His work helped embed safety and preparedness into the culture of rugby in Laos, and opened a path for others to lead.

Noy leading a First Aid training.

Now: A leader building leaders

Now serving as a Programme Manager at the Lao Rugby Federation, Noy is responsible for shaping programme delivery, designing training for new coaches, and mentoring teams across the country.

Noy’s journey is marked not only by personal growth but also by the impact he has helped foster in others. Coaches and players he once worked with have gone on to participate in national competitions, applying the leadership and technical skills they developed through Pass It Back.

“When I see the people I’ve worked with step into new roles, that’s when I know the impact is real.”

After more than ten years of commitment, growth, and leadership, Noy remains grounded in the values that brought him into the programme – solidarity, respect, and a belief in the potential of young people.

“Rugby and Pass It Back have changed me. They helped me become a leader. Now, I support others to become leaders too.”

Noy, far left, and his Lao Rugby Federation colleagues at a competition.

Photos: Lao Rugby Federation