The CHEVRON Beijing Niu Xiongdi (Brothers) Rugby Union Club was formed in February 2007 by a group of Pacific Island students studying in Beijing's numerous Universities. The plans to form this club, spearheaded by Tongan students Saimone Lavakei'aho and Tupou Vaipulu were however hatched with the assistance of PNG student Thomas Kugam during the pre-Christmas drinks held at the PNG Embassy on Thursday, 15 December, 2006. And with the sympathethic ear lent to the cause by Chevron boss, Isikeli Taureka, as they say, the rest is history.
Together with the handful of ex-Nongda players led by former Chinese Internationals Leo Li, Niu Jian, Chen Changping, Gao Xuetong, Zhang Xin, Yu Zhang, and Sixiang Ma, the Beijing Xiongdi are now set for their innaugural campaign in the 2007 Beijing Cup competition under the Presidency of former Beijing devils RFU frontliner, Lahui Ako. The Beijing Xiongdi call the Cappuccino Club their home, where members enjoy 25% off all drinks; and 20% off all food.
The club, in its innaugural year is made up of players from China, PNG, Fiji, Vanuatu, FSM, Samoa, Tonga, and Norway - and has already made its first international tour to Seoul, Korea on Saturday, 12 May 2007 to play the Seoul Survivors RFU. They have also added the 2007 Shanghai International 7s PLATE Trophy to their slowly growing trophy cabinet with space for many more. Still, despite this original composition, the Xiongdi still welcome players of all tribes, creed, size, shape, age, and beliefs - because after all, what are brothers for, eh?