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MALAYSIA RUGBY REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PLAYER WELFARE

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Malaysia Rugby has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening player welfare and safety following the recent tragic deaths of four individuals associated with the sport. In a media statement, the governing body expressed its deepest condolences to the families, friends, teammates, schools, clubs, and the wider rugby community affected by the losses, describing the incidents as a heartbreaking moment for Malaysian rugby. Following a preliminary review, Malaysia Rugby said the four incidents appear to be independent of one another, with no evidence suggesting a single common cause. Nevertheless, every case will undergo a comprehensive review to identify opportunities to further improve player welfare and safety across all levels of the game. The union emphasised that all Malaysia Rugby-sanctioned competitions already comply with strict medical standards. These include mandatory medical personnel, emergency action plans, hydration and heat mitigation measures, as well as concussion recog...

JOHOR'S FIGHTING SPIRIT EARNS PIALA AGONG CROWN

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The wait is finally over. After years of heartbreak, Johor are champions once again. The Southern Tigers produced an unforgettable fightback to defeat Terengganu 34-26 and capture the 2026 Piala Agong title before about 4,500 passionate rugby fans at Stadium UiTM, Shah Alam. The thrilling showdown was a fitting finale to the 42nd edition of Malaysia 's most prestigious rugby championship. Everything seemed to belong to Terengganu in the opening minutes. The unbeaten side stormed into a stunning 19-0 lead, leaving Johor facing their biggest challenge of the season. But champions are defined by character, not circumstances. Johor refused to surrender. Driven by belief and determination, they clawed their way back with three unanswered tries to trail just 19-17 at halftime. The momentum had shifted, and so had the destiny of the match. After the break, Johor completed one of the greatest comebacks in Piala Agong history, sealing a remarkable 34-26 victory to claim their third ...

JOHOR AND TERENGGANU READY FOR HISTORY

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For more than four decades, the Piala Agong has represented the pinnacle of Malaysian rugby. Since 1983, the nation's most prestigious championship has produced unforgettable champions, dramatic moments, and fierce rivalries. Now, in its 42nd edition, the competition is ready for a grand finale worthy of its proud history. After months of intense battles involving nine outstanding teams, only two remain unbeaten. Johor versus Terengganu . It is a dream final between two of the country's strongest teams, both arriving with momentum, confidence, and a burning desire to lift the trophy. Neither side had an easy path to the final. Johor edged Kelantan 32-29 in a thrilling semifinal, securing victory with a dramatic last-play penalty. Terengganu's journey was equally dramatic as they stunned defending champions PDRM 22-20, with Nasharuddin Ismail scoring a last-minute try that sent the unbeaten side into celebration. Now, only one challenge remains. Terengganu enter the fin...

FEARLESS KUALA LUMPUR READY FOR BIGGEST TEST

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Kuala Lumpur may have finished fourth in Pool A, but their Piala Agong 2026 journey is about far more than results and standings. From the opening round, KL showed they belonged among Malaysia 's best. They pushed tournament favourites Terengganu to the limit before narrowly falling short and remained highly competitive throughout the competition. While luck may not always have been on their side, their performances earned respect across the tournament. What makes this team special is its foundation. More than 80 percent of the squad consists of players developed through the Kuala Lumpur Rugby League . These are local talents who have worked their way up through the KL rugby system, proving that dedication and hard work can compete with the best. Much of the credit goes to team manager Shahrin Shamsuddin , who has helped build a strong and united squad. Head coach Dr Ahmad Fadzlee has also played a key role, sharing his knowledge and experience to help the team continue growin...

HONG KONG CLAIM SEVENTH STRAIGHT ASIA TITLE

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Hong Kong China  once again stamped their authority on Asian rugby, securing a remarkable seventh consecutive Asia Rugby Emirates Championship title with a commanding 45–9 win over Korea  in Game 2 of the 2026 campaign. After surviving a dramatic 15–14 escape against Sri Lanka in Colombo last week, Hong Kong returned home to the Hong Kong Football Club with a clear mission, finish the job in style. They did exactly that, producing a composed, clinical, and ruthless performance to seal the championship with one match still to play. The first half was competitive, with Korea refusing to back down. Hong Kong led 12–9 at the break, with tries from Sunia Fameitau and Charles Higson-Smith , supported by a conversion from Dylan McCann . Korea stayed in touch through three well-taken penalties, keeping the contest alive. However, the second half belonged entirely to the champions. Hong Kong exploded into life with wave after wave of attacking pressure. Tries from Brendon Nell , Jac...

FRANCE COMPLETE STUNNING SVNS FINAL TRIUMPH

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France completed a dramatic redemption story in Bordeaux, capturing the HSBC SVNS season finale with a commanding 14-5 victory over New Zealand at Stade Atlantique. Once staring at relegation to SVNS 2 after a pool-stage defeat to the same opponents, Les Bleus mounted a remarkable comeback through the knockout rounds, lifting their home crowd with relentless intensity. In a tense final, New Zealand struck first before France responded through Celian Pouzelgues , who overcame a yellow card setback to become the match’s decisive figure. Despite having one try ruled out by TMO review, he sealed victory in the final minute with a brilliant break that sent the stadium into chaos. Earlier, France had stunned world champions South Africa 21-12 in a high-tempo semi-final that electrified the home supporters. Captain Paulin Riva praised the team’s resilience, highlighting the challenge of competing against elite opposition and the determination to remain among the world’s best. In the thi...

SRI LANKA HEARTBROKEN AFTER LATE HONG KONG TRY

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Photo by The Papare The Hong Kong China rugby team broke Sri Lankan hearts with an 80th minute try to escape with a dramatic 15-14 victory in the Asia Rugby Championship at the Racecourse Ground in Colombo on Sunday. For a moment, history was within Sri Lanka ’s reach. The home side were only seconds away from recording their first ever victory over Hong Kong in the championship. But the defending champions showed incredible composure when it mattered most. The opening half was tense and physical. Sri Lanka defended bravely and frustrated Hong Kong throughout the half. The visitors could only manage a narrow 3-0 lead at halftime after Dylan McCann kicked a penalty. The match came alive after the break. Five minutes into the second half, Glenn Hui scored Hong Kong’s first try. McCann added the conversion to extend the lead to 10-0. Sri Lanka responded immediately. Just three minutes later, Viduna Amanath crossed the line to ignite the home crowd. Gamunu Chethiya converted brillian...