KUCHING: The next generation of Sarawak rugby players will chase valuable national exposure and top-10 finishes when they compete at the NRDP Under-18 Seven-a-Side Rugby Championship 2026.
The championship, to be held at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, Selangor, from July 25 to 26, will see Sarawak represented by 26 players – 13 boys and 13 girls – from various schools and higher learning institutions.
The squad features players from Kolej Datu Patinggi Abang Haji Abdillah, SMKA Sheikh Haji Othman Abdul Wahab (SHOAW), SMK Wira Penrissen, MRSM Kuching, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Politeknik Kuching, and other institutions.
Sarawak Rugby Union (SRU) National Rugby Development Programme (NDRP) Coordinator, Zamzy Abdul Rahman, said the top-10 target was realistic given the team’s youthful composition and limited experience.
“Most of the girls are only 16 years old, while this is an Under-18 tournament. Many Form Five players are unavailable because of their SPM trial examinations.
“That is why we have a younger squad this year, but we believe this is a good opportunity for them to gain valuable exposure,” he told Sarawak Tribune during a training session at Song Kheng Hai Rugby Field here today.
According to Zamzy, around 85 per cent of the girls will be making their national-level debut, while about 70 per cent of the boys have previously competed at that level.
He expects a stern challenge, particularly from teams in West Malaysia, that benefit from greater exposure and more competitive matches.
“It will not be easy because our counterparts in West Malaysia have played more games and have more experience. The same goes for the girls, but we will give our best,” he said.
Last year, Sarawak’s girls finished in the top eight, while the boys ended the tournament in the top 12.
Zamzy said the NRDP continues to be a key pathway for developing Sarawak’s future rugby players, noting that about 60 per cent of the current SUKMA women’s squad came through the programme.
He hopes the championship will help the players adapt to the intensity of national competition while preparing them for future senior-level duties.
“This is not only about results. They need to learn how to cope with the environment, the hype of the tournament, and the standard of play at national level.
“I believe the continuous NRDP programme will continue producing players for Sarawak’s senior rugby setup,” he added.
