Former England international Rory Underwood (centre) stands with CFR Tournament Director James Sterling (right) and Asian Rugby Football Union coach Deano Herewini at NagaWorld yesterday. Photograph: Sreng Meng Srun/Phnom Penh Post

English rugby legend Rory Underwood attended a press conference yesterday evening at NagaWorld ahead of his appearance as guest speaker at tomorrow night’s Cambodia Federation of Rugby Gala Dinner held in the resort’s Grand Ballroom.

The Kingdom’s premier black tie event, which will also feature veteran sports broadcaster Justin Sampson, serves as a fund-raiser for the Federation’s developmental activities.

At the conference yesterday, Underwood declared in the clearest of terms his intention to help develop and promote the sport in Cambodian.

“I am grateful to the Federation for having me here for the gala dinner. I will be there to help Cambodia in the future,” he said.

Tomorrow night’s event, which starts at 6:30pm, includes a five course meal, free flow of wine, beer and soft drinks, live music, a rugby auction and a raffle. According to CFR Tournament Director and Press Officer James Sterling, tickets are priced at US$85 and are available for purchase at The Green Vespa, Aussie XL and Score Bar establishments.

They can also be ordered by email to [email protected].

The CFR is decking itself up to host the 2012 HSBC Asian 5 Nations Division V tournament involving Cambodia, Brunei and Laos, with matches playing out at the Old Stadium on June 26, 28 and 30.

Irishman Richard Flanagan will be the head coach for the Cambodian national team, nicknamed the Koupreys, with Sylvere Barrillon of France second in command.

To contact the reporter on this story: H S Manjunath at [email protected]