MIRI: The Hornbill 7s 2025 Rugby Championship kicks off from May 13 to 18 at Miri Stadium, bringing fast-paced rugby action and spotlighting the city as a rising hub for youth sports.
Held in a vibrant and unifying spirit, the championship is more than just a competition — it serves as a platform for shaping character and identity in the next generation through rugby.
Now in its 12th edition, the tournament features 35 male and female rugby teams from various states, including Sabah, Labuan, and Malaya, cementing Hornbill 7s as one of the most prestigious national-level tournaments on the country’s rugby development calendar.
The competing teams consist of students and youths aged between 12 and 20, reflecting the growing strength and momentum of grassroots rugby across Malaysia.
What makes this tournament even more remarkable is the strong collaboration between multiple agencies and key institutions.
Organised by the Miri Division Rugby Association (MDRA), the championship is supported by the Sarawak Rugby Union (SRU), Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), Sarawak State Sports Council, the National Rugby Development Programme (NRDP), the Ministry of Education Malaysia, the Sarawak State Education Department, and the Miri District Education Office.
In a statement issued recently, MDRA confirmed the championship is officially sanctioned by Malaysia Rugby (MR), making it part of the national talent development programme.
Adding to the excitement, the official closing ceremony on May 18 will be officiated by Datuk Sri Lee Kim Shin, the Minister of Transport, who is well known for his support of youth development and the sports community.
Lee’s presence is significant not only as a senior state government figure but also as a symbol of the Sarawak government’s commitment to rugby as a platform for character building and youth unity.
