KUCHING: Asia Rugby President, His Excellency Qais Al Dhalai, sees Sarawak as a key part of the sport’s next growth chapter in Malaysia, saying the state’s size, enthusiasm and history make it an ideal base for future regional rugby initiatives.
In an interview with Sarawak Tribune during his first visit to Sarawak for the Asia Rugby Council Meeting in Kuching this weekend, His Excellency described the Land of the Hornbills as an “emerging frontier” for the sport, backed by a passionate rugby community and strong state support.
“Malaysia Rugby Union is one of the eight founding members of Asia Rugby, 56 years ago,” he said.
“Malaysia has always hosted major events , whether 15s or 7s, men’s or women’s, but most of them have been in Kuala Lumpur, such as the Cobra 10s, Borneo 7s and other traditional rugby events.
“To stage something in Sarawak, initially, off the top of my head, the quick answer would always be ‘yes’.”
Al Dhalai said Asia Rugby is ready to collaborate with Malaysia Rugby Union and Sarawak Rugby Union to explore opportunities for international tournaments in 2026 or 2027.
“We look forward to working with Sarawak Rugby Union through Malaysia Rugby to explore what we could do in Sarawak for 2026 or 2027.
“This is the first step. Hopefully, next year or the year after, something might be staged in Sarawak,” he said.
The Asia Rugby Council Meeting, hosted in Kuching for the first time, brought together delegates from 36 member federations, including 28 attending in person and seven joining virtually.
The meeting also coincides with the Asia Rugby Awards Night, celebrating contributions and achievements across the continent.
The Asia Rugby President said bringing rugby to new areas is a key part of his leadership vision since taking office in 2019, noting that the organisation’s membership has expanded from 31 to 36 federations in just a few years.
“So, if you talk about five additional or five new federations joining Asia Rugby, that will give you a reflection of my mindset – how I think,” he said.
“Taking that continental scale and applying it to Malaysia, definitely spreading the sport across all the states, especially the major ones, is something we should consider.”
He said that Sarawak, being the largest state by land area, plays a critical role in this expansion.
“As I said, we will be working with Malaysia Rugby to explore any potential opportunity to bring Asia Rugby events to Sarawak,” he added.
“We want people to come, athletes to come here, and experience the Sarawak hospitality, the weather, the attractions, and also play what they love, which is rugby.”
