KUCHING: Sarawak’s full-category campaign at this year’s National 7s is more than just about competing – it represents a growing movement to establish the state as a long-term rugby powerhouse in Malaysia.
Sarawak is fielding teams in all four contested categories – Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Men’s Under-21, and Women’s Under-21 at the National 7s Rugby Championship 2025, which kicks off today at the Tengku Muhammad Ismail Rugby Stadium, Terengganu Sports Complex.
Sarawak Rugby Union (SRU) Secretary, Rashid Salleh, said the direction of rugby in the state is now on the right track, with increasing commitment from stakeholders in sports development to position Sarawak as a national powerhouse.
“This is not just SRU’s effort to elevate Sarawak in rugby; it is backed by strong support from the Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) and the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), the main stakeholders of sports development in the state. Their support has placed us on the best path to move forward.
“Our main mission in Terengganu is to improve Sarawak’s standing from last year, and we are optimistic about securing a better ranking this time around,” he told Sarawak Tribune recently.
However, he added that the National 7s which is the most prestigious seven-a-side rugby tournament in the country also provides the perfect platform for the Sarawak players to gain high-performance exposure.
“The results in Terengganu will shape our long-term plans. If we can sustain the momentum, especially from the grassroots level, I believe that within five years Sarawak can become a national rugby powerhouse — be it in grassroots development, SUKMA (Malaysia Games), or even higher levels,” said Rashid, who brings decades of experience in both local and international rugby since the 1980s.
Boosting team morale, SRU Deputy President and former Sarawak rugby player, Ahmad Yusof Shah Dato Mokhsen, is also present in Terengganu, serving as head coach of the men’s open squad.
The women’s squad is led by Shahradhi Libiki Iskandar Ridhuan, featuring former SUKMA players from the state.
Equally instrumental is Sylvia Alexander Lian, a long-time key figure in the development of women’s rugby in Sarawak, who will guide her protégés in the Women’s Under-21 category.
SUKMA coach, Er Embran Mohammad Ali, will helm the Men’s Under-21 team in their campaign.
This year’s National 7s tournament is scheduled to run for three days from today until Sunday (July 27), featuring 41 teams competing in 139 matches across four categories.
For the record, Sarawak only participated in the Men’s Open category during the previous edition and finished in eighth place overall.
In this year’s edition, Sarawak are sending a delegation of 66 individuals, including officials, representing four teams to compete at the Tengku Muhammad Ismail Rugby Stadium.
