PETALING JAYA – Malaysia Rugby (MR) has set a target for the national 15-a-side team: winning at least one of their three matches to bolster their chances of staying in the Premier Division of the Asia Rugby Championship.
MR president Amir Amri Mohamad expressed confidence that the national rugby team, nicknamed the Hibiscus, could overcome the challenge posed by Premier Division newcomers the United Arab Emirates in their final match in Dubai on June 21.
The UAE were promoted after winning Division One last year.
“I am also confident our team can give South Korea a tough fight in the opening Premier Division match in Incheon on Saturday. We can also count on home support when we face Hong Kong on June 8.
“I hope the players will give their best and try to spring a surprise,” said Amir Amri at a media conference following the signing of a sponsorship and strategic collaboration agreement between MR and local sports agency Enervive Sports.
In the previous edition, the Hibiscus were trounced 27-3 by South Korea and 88-9 by defending champions Hong Kong, finishing last without a win.
Under the new agreement, MR will receive RM50,000 annually from Enervive Sports through the EV sports brand.
This included official sponsorship of referee uniforms in national championships and support for the local referee development programme.
Amir Amri added that this collaboration was crucial for enhancing the quality of rugby, particularly for local referees.
Enervive Sports chief executive Shahrizin Shaharudin expressed hope that the partnership with MR would signify a commitment to elevating the professionalism of rugby in Malaysia. – May 29, 2024