KUCHING: From overcoming injury to honouring his late mother’s final wish, Samuel Rentap has capped an emotional season by winning the Agong Cup with Johor and earning a return to the Malaysian squad.
The Kuching-born rugger of Iban-Chinese parentage played a key role in helping Johor win this year’s Agong Cup after lifting the trophy with PDRM last season, making him one of the few players to win back-to-back titles with different teams.
This year’s triumph, however, meant far more to Rentap.
He dedicated the title to his late mother, Mary Nah, who passed away in April, saying her final words inspired him to keep pursuing rugby.
He also credited his father, Meran Ubong, as a key source of support throughout his journey.
“It feels very different winning this year. Although I represented a different team, the goal was always the same.
This victory was special because my mother passed away in April, and I dedicated the win to her.
She was the person who always made sure I was ready and never gave up on rugby.
“During my time of grief, the Johor team came together to help me get through that painful period.
The bonding, management, coaching and welfare within this team were on another level compared to what I had experienced before,” he told Sarawak Tribune when contacted.
He also expressed gratitude to his wife Angelica Guillan who supports Rentap in every single rugby match turning up and being the biggest supporter.
“My wife who has been there throughout all my ups and down. Ensuring I am mentally healthy, encouraging me, preparing food that nurishes my body for rugby training every single day during the season.
“She has been instrumental in aiding me to perform at my highest level both in rugby and in life,”he said.
Rentap also credited Johor’s professional approach as a key factor behind its championshipwinning campaign.
He said preparations began as early as February, with around 80 players competing for places in the final 40-man squad. The team also embarked on a tour of Sri Lanka, underwent structured strength and conditioning programmes, and ensured players based outside Johor were flown in every weekend for training.
“Everything was taken care of.
The management even booked flights for players travelling more than 300 kilometres so we could train without worrying about fatigue.
The only thing left for us was to win the title for Johor,” he said.
As the only Sarawakian in Johor’s title-winning squad, Rentap hopes his achievement will encourage more players from the state to pursue opportunities in Peninsular Malaysia.
“Winning shows that Sarawakians have the potential to succeed in rugby.
Growing up, I wasn’t the most talented player, but I had the passion to go far.
When I had the opportunity to play outside Sarawak, I took it without hesitation.
“I hope when another Sarawakian comes over to fight for a place with any club or state team in Peninsular Malaysia, they will be welcomed because we have proven that Sarawakians can play rugby.
“It was also great to see more Sarawakian faces competing in this year’s Agong Cup with teams such as ATM and Kuala Lumpur,” he said.
Reflecting on his experiences with both PDRM and Johor, Rentap believes championshipwinning teams share three defining qualities.
“The best teams have desire, discipline and patience.
Rugby is a physical game, but it is mentally tough as well.
“Johor came back from 19-0 down in the final because we never gave up. It was similar to PDRM’s comeback to win the 2025 title.
“When experience, skill, strength and speed are all equal, the difference between winning and losing comes down to desire, discipline and patience.”
The 2026 campaign has become even more memorable for Rentap after he earned a recall to the Malaysia 15s squad for the Union Cup 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, from July 12 to 18, having missed last year’s selection due to injury.
“I’m feeling excited after missing the chance to be selected last year because of injury. I hope to play my best for the Malaysia 15s because it is a very big honour for me,” he said.
The Sarawak Rugby Union (SRU) also congratulated Rentap on his selection to the Malaysia 15s squad, saying his dedication and hard work continue to inspire the next generation of Sarawak rugby players, while wishing him success at the Union Cup in Bangkok.
