MIRI: The Hornbill 7s 2025 Rugby Championship gathers young rugby talents from across Malaysia, featuring a new Under-12 category and initiatives focused on long-term development and community impact.
Bunyamin Matnor, chairman of the Miri Division Rugby Association (MDRA), said the Hornbill 7s, which kicks off from May 13 to 18 at Miri Stadium, is more than just a competition, it’s a process for long-term development.
“This tournament provides exposure for students around Miri to compete against teams from outside the city.
“It offers them a different experience, which is crucial for their game maturity,” he said when contacted by Sarawak Tribune recently.
He explained that in a sport like rugby, tactical and emotional maturity comes not just from training, but from actual matches.
Additionally, MDRA, in a statement, highlighted that this year’s tournament which features 35 boys’ and girls’ teams from across Malaysia, including Sabah, Labuan, and West Malaysia introduces the new Under-12 (U12) category for the first time.
“To elevate the event to a large-scale tournament, the organisers are encouraged to expand the development aspect through side programmes such as rugby clinics, coaching workshops, sports leadership seminars, and motivational sessions with former national players.
“This not only adds value for the participants but also impacts visitors, parents, and the educational community in attendance.
“The tournament also has a significant impact on Miri’s economy. The arrival of teams from outside the state, along with their parents, boosts sectors like tourism, accommodation, and food, indirectly benefiting local businesses,” MDRA said.
It added that this makes the Hornbill 7s not just a sports competition but also a potential sports tourism catalyst for Sarawak.
