KUCHING: Fast-paced action at the KRFC Rainforest Sevens highlighted the tournament’s rising intensity, while several injuries also renewed calls for improvements to the playing surface at Song Kheng Hai Rugby Field.
Despite the challenges, Kuching Rugby Football Club (KRFC) president Ahmad Yusop Shah Mokhsen described the overall reception to the two-day tournament as positive, noting that the standard of rugby in Sarawak continues to improve with every competition held.
“Every tournament, the playing standard gets better. The more tournaments we organise, the higher the standard of rugby becomes,” he said.
The Rainforest Sevens, featuring 10 teams from across the state, also serves as an important selection platform for players hoping to represent Sarawak at the National Sevens tournament in November, while providing valuable match exposure for the state’s Malaysia Games (SUKMA) squad.
Ahmad said KRFC hopes to organise more tournaments in the future to continue raising the standard of rugby and create more opportunities for player development.
However, he acknowledged that the combination of hot weather and the current condition of the pitch had contributed to several injuries throughout the tournament.
“The weather is very hot, and we’ve seen a few injuries. Hopefully the pitch can be improved because the Sarawak SUKMA boys and the National Sevens players also train here,” he said.
He added that visiting teams, particularly Sibu Rugby Association, were among those affected, with several players picking up injuries during the competition.
Sibu Rugby Association was the furthest-travelling team among the 10 participating sides. Ahmad said several other clubs were unable to participate as they had recently competed in the Song Kheng Hai Sevens or were involved in the Agong’s Cup.
The Rainforest Sevens, is happening from June 27 and 28, features Group A comprising Asajaya Rugby Club, Sarawak Under-21, Sibu Rugby Association, KRFC Thundercatz and KV Matang, while Group B consists of Wolfpack, WORC A, Blasta BC, WORC B and KRFC Blackcatz.
