KUALA LUMPUR – The Negri Sembilan and Putrajaya rugby 15’s teams could face a potential fine of RM10,000 and a one-year suspension after deciding to withdraw from the Agong’s Cup Championship scheduled for September 7.
Speaking to Scoop, Malaysia Rugby Union (MRU) secretary-general Fahmy Jalil explained that while both teams have written to the union about their withdrawal, decisions will be made after the Malaysia Games (Sukma), which ends on August 28.
According to Fahmy, although both teams face the possibility of severe penalties, MRU will consider reducing the fine if both teams can provide strong and convincing justifications for the withdrawal.
Due to the withdrawal of Putrajaya and Negri Sembilan, only 10 teams are participating in this year’s Agong’s Cup, which has led the organisers to have to redraw the teams again.
“Currently, no decision has been made as we are assisting with the rugby events at Sukma. However, Negri Sembilan and Putrajaya have informed us of their withdrawal.
“Based on past records, when a team withdraws, the usual penalty is RM10,000 and suspension. Once the fine is determined, they will also have the option to appeal,” said Fahmy.
Last year, Kedah withdrew from the championship, following a similar withdrawal by both Kedah and Perak the year before, resulting in a RM10,000 fine from MRU.
Fahmy acknowledges that the trend of teams withdrawing from the Agong’s Cup in recent years is largely due to financial factors.
Currently, there is a prevailing stigma in the local rugby community that teams with larger budgets are more likely to win the Agong’s Cup.
As a result, MRU is exploring the best mechanisms to address this trend, as it negatively impacts the national 15’s squad.
“I believe this trend is unhealthy for the development of rugby in Malaysia, but we also understand the constraints faced by state teams in preparing their squads.
“MRU must play a role, and we will work with the states to find the best solutions to address this issue,” he added. – August 21, 2024