KUCHING: Sarawak’s women’s rugby team has secured third place at the Pre-SUKMA Melaka Rugby 7s.
The squad began their campaign strongly, recording a dominant 50-0 win over Harcos Ladies before notching a 15-5 victory against Terengganu in Group Z action at Stadium Hang Tuah, Melaka.
Sarawak continued their momentum with a 12-5 win over Kedah, topping their group with confidence and earning a place in the Cup semi-finals.
However, their run was halted by a strong Johor side, who went on to win the championship after beating Selangor 12-5 in the final. Johor proved too clinical in the semi-final, handing Sarawak a 20-0 defeat and sending them into the third-place playoff.
In the deciding match, Sarawak showed determination and composure in a tightly contested battle against Sabah, which ended 10-10. The Sarawak side ultimately secured third place by scoring the first try under tournament rules.
Team manager Faqrul Hafiz praised the players for their commitment and progress throughout the competition, describing the finish as a strong reflection of their discipline and teamwork.
“We’re proud of what the Sarawak women’s team has achieved at the Pre SUKMA Melaka 7s. Finishing in third place is a strong reflection of the players’ commitment, discipline and teamwork throughout the tournament,” he told Sarawak Tribune when contacted today (Apr 27).
He added that the team showed resilience, particularly against tougher opponents, and improved with every match.
“This result didn’t come easy as the squad showed great resilience, especially against Johor, and continued to improve with every match. It’s also a testament to the hard work of the coaching staff and the support system behind the team,” he said.
Faqrul noted that the campaign serves as an important stepping stone ahead of future competitions.
“There is still room to grow, and we will carry this momentum forward as we prepare for SUKMA XXI Selangor 2026. We are grateful for the continuous support from everyone back home in Sarawak,” he added.
