Sarawak women’s rugby squad eyes SUKMA 2026 after Johor Sevens test

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Sarawak captain Christalynna Henry connects with Gillian Muna Kunting in open play at the Johor Sevens.

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KUCHING: With the Johor Sevens 2025 now in the rearview mirror, Sarawak’s women’s rugby squad has set its sights on the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA), using lessons from the recent tournament to sharpen focus on fitness, leadership, and mental resilience.

Head coach Sylvia Alexander Lian expressed measured satisfaction with her team’s development, particularly among the younger players and new faces who made up the majority of the squad.

“The girls have improved in terms of tactics and skill, but we still need more high-level matches to grow.
We’ll continue working on their fitness so that they peak at the right time,” she told Sarawak Tribune when contacted recently.

In the group stage of the Johor Sevens 2025, played at Johor Rugby Stadium, Sarawak finished second in Pool C after an opening 31-0 loss to Singapore Development. They bounced back impressively with a 29-0 win over UPNM Smookies and a 14-5 victory against Hanelang Ladies.

Lia Misha Egai makes a strong run with ball in hand during match play.

Ranked fifth overall after the group stage, Sarawak advanced to the Cup/Plate quarter-finals but fell 31-0 to DKI Jakarta.

They then exited the Plate semi-finals following a 26-0 defeat to Vixens Melaka.

Despite the results, the experience proved valuable — especially for a team that included several newcomers, including the youngest player, aged just 15.

Captain Christalynna Henry led the side throughout the tournament. Coach Sylvia noted that developing on-field leadership remains a key priority.

“Leadership during games is crucial. If the leader is strong, the rest will follow.
That’s something we want to keep training — how to step up and take charge under pressure,” she added.

As the SUKMA selection remains ongoing, players will need to prove not just technical ability but also psychological toughness — another area the coaching team is targeting for improvement.

“It’s not just about skill. Mental strength, breathing techniques, and emotional control during games are just as important,” Sylvia said.

While the squad features promising youth talent, senior players aged 21 and above were reminded that experience alone is not enough without top-tier fitness.

“To be champions, our senior players must maintain strong fitness, especially in endurance.
Sevens rugby is all about speed, stamina, and individual skill,” she added.

The team will take a one-week break before resuming training in Miri, with their next major assignment being the National 7s in Terengganu at the end of July.

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