Part 1 of the series shares how Sarawak Women’s Rugby are breaking barriers as they campaign for national success
WOMEN’S rugby is one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, combining strength, speed and teamwork with a spirit of inclusivity.
Once viewed as a male-dominated game, it has steadily broken stereotypes, giving female athletes a powerful platform to showcase their skills and resilience.
From grassroots clubs to the Women’s Rugby World Cup, now underway in England (Aug 22–Sept 27, 2025), the sport continues to inspire new generations to pick up the ball and play.
In Malaysia, women’s rugby is gaining momentum through state leagues, school initiatives, and national programmes. The game is not only about competition — it fosters confidence, leadership and camaraderie.
For many, rugby is a community that builds tenacity on and off the field. With more visibility and support, women’s rugby is shaping into a movement of empowerment.
Its growing popularity promises a future where female players stand shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts, redefining the sport through passion and perseverance.
This vision is already unfolding in Sarawak, where players are breaking stereotypes and proving that the game belongs to them too.
Breaking Barriers, Building Confidence
For a sport once dominated by men, women’s rugby is rewriting the story. What was once seen as too tough or unsuitable has become a platform where women showcase courage, talent and determination.
Every tackle, pass and sprint is more than just part of the game — it is a statement that women belong on the field, competing with pride and purpose.
In Sarawak, this spirit was on full display when the state women’s team made their debut in the KRS-MSNS League. Their journey was not only about results but about proving that Sarawakian women could hold their own in the demanding 15-a-side format.
It was in June this year, the Sarawak women’s team marked a historic milestone by securing third place in the inaugural Women’s 15s competition at Padang Astaka, Selangor.
It was a landmark moment that inspired pride across the rugby community.
The achievement drew praise from Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
“Last time, we didn’t see women playing rugby — but look at them now. I have to acknowledge, our women’s rugby is better than the men’s now,” said Abdul Karim.
Sarawak outplayed KL Tigers 31-10 in the playoff after a 5-29 semi-final loss to ATM.
Coach Shahradhi Libiki praised his players’ resilience and growth throughout the season, calling it a proud milestone for Sarawak’s first-ever women’s 15s squad.
“This is a big first step for us. The journey is just beginning,” he said, noting that structured training camps would help strengthen team chemistry moving forward.
That historic third-place finish marked a new dawn, but the true test is what comes next.
From Milestone to Momentum
Sarawak’s debut was a proud breakthrough, but it is only the beginning.
It proved, as the players themselves showed, that “we as women can play too.”
The focus now is on turning this milestone into momentum, ensuring early achievements become lasting progress.
Women’s rugby coach Stephen Patrick believes the timing is right.
“Since moving from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching in 2014, I began assisting coach Sylvia Alexander Lian, who at that time was forming the Letto Miri women’s team.
“After that, I coached UiTM Samarahan women from 2016 to 2018, and the Kuching First Division women’s team in 2016–2017.
“In 2019, I moved to Sibu, where I coached both the Sibu women’s rugby team and the Sibu Vocational College side in 2023,” he shared.
With nearly a decade of involvement, Stephen has witnessed women’s rugby steadily rise in the state.
Now back in Kuching, he was given the chance by the Sarawak Rugby Union (SRU) to lead the senior squad in the KRS League, where they finished third.
“Prior to that, in 2023 at the National 7s Championship in Perak, we placed fourth,” he added.
At the development level, Stephen noted that at the under-21 level, Sylvia, with the Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) and the Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), continues to guide the players well.
“I hope the authorities will open new development centres in every division. I believe if this is carried out, by 2028 we will see the results.
“Our coaching team is planning to visit every division — Kuching, Samarahan, Betong, Mukah, Sibu, Kapit, Bintulu and Miri — to evaluate, select and share knowledge with players,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Stephen said the team is preparing for next year’s league with a focus on nurturing younger players.
“Right now, we are encouraging players to stay active and fit, always ready for upcoming tournaments,” he said.
Yet women’s rugby in Sarawak is more than just about matches and medals. Its impact now stretches beyond the pitch, shaping lives and communities.
A Movement Beyond the Field
In Sarawak, rugby is becoming more than a competition. It is shaping character, instilling perseverance, and nurturing leadership that players carry into classrooms, workplaces and daily life.
Beyond scorelines, the sport builds friendships and unity, giving young women the confidence to see themselves as part of something bigger.
Supporting that growth are the efforts of the Sarawak Rugby Union (SRU). A committee shake-up late last year brought fresh energy, steering a steady rise in opportunities for women’s rugby.
SRU honorary secretary Rashid Salleh said the progress reflects a deliberate effort to expand beyond the 7s and 10s formats.
“We’ve had quite a number of talented female players since around 2015. From 2017 to 2019, two Sarawakians won double bronze medals at the SEA Games with the national 7s team.
“Since then, we’ve consistently had Sarawak players in the national setup,” he told Sarawak Tribune in a previous interview.
“In the last six months, we’ve made a conscious effort to develop women’s rugby. Although our talent pool may not be as large as in Peninsular Malaysia, the potential is there.”
The introduction of the 15s league by the Selangor Rugby Union gave Sarawak a chance to test its depth — and the team responded with grit.
“The biggest challenge has been funding. We’re grateful to key supporters, especially SRU president Zainal Abidin Abdullah, who has been instrumental in pushing us,” Rashid said, also thanking the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development as well as SRU patrons Richard Song and Tan Sri Morshidi Ghani.
“These ladies don’t get paid, none of us do. It’s all voluntary. We fly in weekly — something usually done only by pro football teams,” he added.
The programme has since attracted returning players and new media attention, signalling growing recognition of the women’s game in Sarawak.
Rashid expressed optimism that Sarawak’s rising stars could soon don the national jersey, with Malaysia set to participate in the inaugural Southeast Asia Rugby Federation (SEARF) Women’s 15s Championship in February 2026.
“With Malaysia taking part in the inaugural SEARF 15s next year, there’ll be more chances for Sarawak women to represent Malaysia in this format.
“So the future is very bright indeed,” he said.
For the record, on Jun 21, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony was held for the 2026 SEARF Women’s 15s Championship.
