Posts

Showing posts from 2025

EIGHT TEAMS COLLIDE IN EXPLOSIVE SELAYANG RUGBY SHOWDOWN

Image
A new chapter of Selayang rugby is about to be written. The Rhinoz Warriors Rugby Club, fresh from their triumph as Selangor Division Two Champions, will host their first-ever tournament, the Selayang 10s on 27 September 2025 at the IIUM Pride Park. The stage is set for eight renowned teams. Rhinoz Warriors , Supark Grizzly , Semashur , Impact Oldboys , OPA Scorpions , Kobau RC , Shah Alam Rovers , and Home of Warriors are set to collide in 24 explosive matches, featuring more than 120 outstanding players. Fans can expect a festival of rugby packed with drama, intensity, and unforgettable action. But this milestone was not easily achieved. Finding a field alone was a test of persistence, with months of searching around Selayang and Gombak before IIUM became the chosen battleground. Securing sponsors was another mountain to climb, yet the Warriors’ determination won crucial support from Majlis Perbandaran Selayang (MPS) through Ahmad Zahiri , as well as Laundry Bar, JKR, Rugger Distri...

URUGUAY SECURE HISTORIC WORLD CUP RETURN

Image
Uruguay have once again carved their name into rugby’s grandest stage, sealing their place at the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 after a fierce Sudamericano battle with Chile. Over two legs of passion, sweat, and relentless struggle, Los Teros emerged triumphant, 46-35 on aggregate, to book their ticket to Australia. Carrying a 12-point advantage from their first-leg triumph in Santiago (28-16), Uruguay endured a scare in Montevideo, where Chile struck back with a narrow 21-18 win. Yet the aggregate stood firm, and with it came confirmation: Uruguay will march to their sixth Rugby World Cup, their flag once more flying proudly among rugby’s elite. This victory crowns them champions of South America and secures their role as the continent’s second representative, alongside Argentina, at the expanded 24-team tournament. Ranked 16th in the world, Uruguay now turn toward the December draw, hungry for new challenges and fresh history to be written. From their unforgettable upset over Fiji ...

HANG TUAH STADIUM ROARS WITH RUGBY’S FINEST SHOWDOWN

Image
The Chief Minister Cup 2025, organised by Melaka Rugby , turned Hang Tuah Stadium into a fortress of passion and pride over three unforgettable days. With 37 teams competing and an estimated 3,000 spectators attending the tournament during the event, the atmosphere was electric. In the Men’s Open, young guns SSTMI Tsunami stunned seasoned rivals, defeating Driller Oldboys 19–5 to lift the Cup. Guided by the calm coach Syed Syazril , their youthful energy was unstoppable, marking their second straight triumph at the venue after winning the 2024 Melaka International Rugby 10s. IIUM Mustangs claimed third place, beating Nosta RU 22–0. The Women’s Open saw Hanelang Ladies from Terengganu outclass the Melaka Vixens 17–7 in a thrilling final, while ATM Ladies powered past Daisies RC 24–5 for third. In the U20 showdown, SSMP Falcons edged KPMBP Ravens 5–0, while Melaka U20  secured third over  Oasis RC   via coin toss after a scoreless game. Veterans proved age is jus...

TOP RUGBY TEAMS CLASH IN MELAKA

Image
The historic city of Melaka is gearing up for a major sporting spectacle as the CM Cup Rugby Tournament 2025 takes place at the iconic Stadium Kubu ( Hang Tuah Stadium ) from 29–31 August. The tournament will feature five categories, with eight teams competing in each division and five teams in the Women’s category. In total, nearly 800 players, coaches, and officials are expected to gather, making this one of the biggest rugby events in Malaysia this year. The tournament is powered by the Melaka State Government as the main sponsor, with the support of MSN Melaka, MBMB, Tourism Melaka, and Perbadanan Ketua Menteri. Co-sponsors include Archway, Koridor Utiliti Melaka, CMI Infra, Meditech Alliance, Jurukur Saharuddin El Asas, SAMB, Putra Hospital, Melaka Bekal Sdn Bhd, and Precise Subsurface. Melaka will be proudly represented across all categories, including Kolej Yayasan Saad , SMK Telok Mas , Melaka High School , Nosta , Ex-Hornet , X-Moruc , Polis Melaka , Melaka Team ...

DREAM BEYOND BORDERS, PLAY BEYOND LIMITS

Image
For many years, Malaysia has welcomed foreign players into its domestic rugby scene, hoping they would raise the standard of local competitions. But despite their presence, our international performance has remained inconsistent. The national team once soared, winning Asia Division 2 and Division 1, and even reaching the Asia Top Division. Players like Duke Krishnan , Marc Le , Shahir Ashraf Rosli , Amin Jamaluddin , and a few outstanding Fijians made a real difference. But once they retired, and we relied mostly on local-based players, the Bunga Raya team struggled to maintain that level. What made Duke and Marc different? They played abroad. Duke featured in Japan’s Top League and Major League Rugby in the USA. Marc played in New Zealand and later Japan. Their growth overseas in structured systems, higher-paced competitions, and professional setups, turned them into game-changers for Malaysia. Playing abroad transforms players. They face new challenges, adapt to unfam...

KELANTAN AND JOHOR RULE IN TERENGGANU

Image
The Malaysia Rugby National Sevens Championship 2025 wrapped up in spectacular fashion at Stadium Tengku Muhammad Ismail, Terengganu, with Kelantan and Johor stealing the spotlight in the Men’s Open and Men’s U21 categories. In the Men’s Open, Kelantan reclaimed their crown, edging past a determined Johor side 17-12 in a nail-biting final. Powered by national stars Azwan Zuwairi , Hafiezie Sudin , Khairul Abdillah , and Wan Azli , Kelantan proved unstoppable. Selangor crushed Terengganu 34-0 to clinch third. Zulhisham Rasli was named Best Player, standing out with electrifying play. Meanwhile, in the Men’s U21, Johor extended their dominance, winning the title for the fourth consecutive time. They narrowly defeated Selangor 15-10 in a tense final. Kelantan beat Kedah 29-7 to secure third place. Luqman Nul Hakim of Johor was recognized as the Best Player for his outstanding contribution. It was a weekend of high drama, fierce rivalries, and top-tier sevens action. TIGERS SUPE...

SELANGOR WOMEN SEVENS DOMINATE AGAIN

Image
Selangor delivered a stunning performance at the Malaysia Rugby National Sevens Championship 2025, dominating both the Women’s Open and Women’s U21 categories in a thrilling three-day tournament at Stadium Tengku Muhammad Ismail, Terengganu. In the Women’s Open, Selangor stormed to their third consecutive title, shutting out hosts Terengganu 29-0 in the final. Perlis claimed third place after a hard-fought 12-5 win over Johor . Dinah Syafiqah was named Best Player for her commanding presence throughout the campaign. The victory parade continued in the Women’s U21 category, where Selangor finally ended their heartbreak after finishing runners-up four times since 2018. They again overpowered Terengganu 29-0 in a repeat of the senior final. Johor beat Perak 19-7 to take third place. Rising talent Noor Azzuwa was deservedly crowned Best Player. Credit goes to Head Coach Mohamad Faiz , who masterfully led both teams to glory, cementing Selangor’s legacy in women’s rugby. THE MATCH

MELAKA EYES STRONG FINISH IN TERENGGANU

Image
The Malaysia National Sevens Rugby Championship 2025 promises fierce competition, and Melaka is ready to rise. With 91 players from seven teams in the Women’s Open and 130 players from ten teams in the Women’s U21, the Terengganu showdown from 25–27 July will showcase the best of Malaysian women’s rugby. Melaka proudly sends two squads this year. Their Women’s Open team returns for a third time, while their U21 team makes its debut. Leading the charge are key players Maslieya Nur Athirah Masdi , Nur Batrisyia Nadrah Aziz , and Iman Aisyah Ishak in the senior squad, while the U21 team features rising stars Nurul Syafiqah , Nurul Syazliana , and Noor Yusra Thaqifa . Backed by the tireless efforts of Melaka Rugby Union President Hameed Basheer , Vice President Abdul Halem Berahim , dedicated coach Hainur Shalehin , and team manager Nur Ain Natrah , Melaka has fought hard to assemble two competitive teams from a limited pool of players. They trained hard every we...

SARAWAK RUGBY HUNTS NATIONAL SEVENS GLORY

Image
Sarawak Rugby Union (SRU) is heading to the Malaysia National Sevens Rugby Championship 2025 with a clear goal: to surpass their best performances yet. Thanks to strong support from the Majlis Sukan Negeri Sarawak  and Sarawak Sports Corporation , the SRU is sending its largest-ever contingent. 52 players and 12 officers, with 95% proudly Sarawakian and all of Borneo origin. The contingent will be led by SRU Deputy President, Yusop Shah Mohksen , who also serves as Head Coach of the Men’s Open team. His leadership has been instrumental in preparing the squads, and this year, SRU has also included two medical officers and four physios to ensure full player support. Last year, the Men’s Open squad broke into the Cup Quarterfinals, finishing in the Top 8, a target they aim to meet or exceed this time. The Women’s Open team, 4th in 2023, return to gain more exposure and experience for their youthful squad. The Men’s U21 team, previously 14th, aim to push furthe...

ASIA SEVENS SERIES HEADS TO CHINA, SRI LANKA

Image
Asia Rugby has unveiled its most ambitious Emirates Sevens calendar yet, promising an explosive season of speed, skill, and continental pride. In 2025, the top 12 men’s and women’s teams will battle it out across two major legs, with a golden ticket to the HSBC SVNS Division 3 on the line,  World Rugby ’s rebranded global sevens circuit. The action begins in Hangzhou, China on 20–21 September, then shifts to the rugby-mad streets of Colombo, Sri Lanka on 18–19 October. With more teams and higher stakes, this year’s series will be a true showcase of Asia’s growing sevens power. Beyond the elite level, the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy expands the reach of the game with thrilling new stops in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and Muscat, Oman, marking historic milestones for both nations. Meanwhile, the next generation takes the spotlight with U20s in India (August) and U18s in China (September). Asia Rugby President Qais Al Dhalai praised the calendar as a bold s...

MUAMALAT BULLETS CONQUER PULAPOL 10S

Image
Muamalat Bullets proved once again why they are one of the fiercest forces in Malaysian rugby, clinching the PULAPOL 10s title with a commanding 19-7 victory over hosts PULAPOL KL in the Cup final. The two-day tournament, held at the Kuala Lumpur Police Training Centre on 28 and 29 June 2025, featured 16 top teams from across the country battling for supremacy, but none could match the firepower and flair of the Bullets. Already crowned champions of the Jakarta 10s earlier this year, the star-studded Muamalat Bullets controlled the final from kickoff to the final whistle, giving little room for PULAPOL KL to respond. Anwarul Hafiz , Muhd Harith Iqbal , and Azri Kamal were instrumental throughout the campaign, delivering explosive runs, clinical finishes, and rock-solid defence. Head coach Mazuri Sallehudin praised his team’s determination and execution, calling it a performance built on trust and hunger. Muamalat Bullets booked their spot in the final after...

TREBLE GLORY FOR MIGHTY BATH RUGBY

Image
From the ashes of despair to the summit of English rugby, Bath Rugby ’s 2024/25 season will be remembered as nothing short of legendary. After 29 long years of waiting, the blue, black, and white roared back to claim the Premiership crown in a nerve-shredding 23–21 triumph over Leicester at Twickenham . But this was no ordinary season. Bath didn’t just win, they conquered! The Challenge Cup ? Dominated. The Premiership Rugby Cup? Crushed. A glorious treble, sealed with grit, fire, and flair. Guided by the masterful Johann van Graan , and driven by stars like Finn Russell and the electric Austin Emens , Bath smashed records, topped the table, and reawakened a sleeping giant. This was more than rugby. It was redemption. It was belief reborn. Bath didn’t just lift trophies, they reminded the world who they are. A fallen titan has risen, and rugby will never forget it. RUGBY TRIBE

RHINOZ WARRIORS RISE TO SEAL CHAMPIONSHIP WIN

Image
Rhinoz Warriors have claimed the Selangor Rugby League Division 2 title in stunning fashion, completing a remarkable comeback after starting the season with a defeat. They bounced back with five consecutive wins, showcasing grit, passion, and a playing style that not only delivered results but also won hearts. Last season’s runners-up returned stronger and more determined, becoming fan favourites with their entertaining, high-energy rugby that consistently drew crowds. Team Manager Hariz Ismail and Head Coach Adesh deserve high praise for building a disciplined, exciting squad that played with purpose and unity. Standout warriors included Muhd Ikhwan Ahmat , whose leadership and fighting spirit inspired the squad; Muhd Akmal Aiman , the reliable kicker and top point contributor; and Muhd Aiman Azlin , a new signing who turned heads with his powerful runs and game-breaking plays. Despite a record-breaking final day win, SMS Oldboys settled for second place, while Cobra Sting took ...

COBRA VENOM RULE SELANGOR WOMEN RUGBY LEAGUE

Image
Cobra Venom etched their name in history as the first-ever champions of the Selangor Women Rugby League , completing a flawless campaign in the five-team competition. Winning all their matches, the Petaling Jaya-based club proved their dominance through teamwork, discipline, and sheer determination. A total of 34 players represented Cobra Venom this season, all molded through twice-weekly training sessions since April under the leadership of Head Coach Mohd Faiz . Leading the charge was captain and standoff Rozliana Ridwan , whose sharp decision-making and accurate conversions were vital. Outside centre Nur Izzah Azizan impressed with explosive pace and defensive grit, while Wan Noor Shafiqa , the pack leader and top try scorer, delivered powerful runs and solid defense. ATM Women secured second place, powered by Siti Nursyamimi , the league’s top point scorer with a remarkable 84 points. Sarawak Rugby fought bravely to finish third, with Valerie Juan making national history by be...

ROAD TO RWC BEGINS IN ASIA

Image
The road to Rugby World Cup 2027 heats up this June as the Asia Rugby Championship 2025 roars to life! This is no ordinary edition, it’s the most thrilling since Japan’s epic 2014 campaign that launched them onto the world stage. With Japan already locked in for RWC 2027 , four determined challengers — United Arab Emirates , South Korea , Hong Kong China , and rising force Sri Lanka — are just three intense battles away from claiming the coveted Asia 1 ticket to Australia! And the drama doesn’t stop there. The runner-up still has a lifeline — a do-or-die clash with Africa 2 for a shot at the Final Qualification Tournament, set for 8–18 November 2025 at The Sevens Stadium, Dubai. The dream is alive. The stage is set. Let the fight for Asia’s rugby crown begin! RUGBY ASIA