Hornbill 7s salute youth and women's rugby
Sarawak's U20 women's team celebrate with (back from fifth left) Lau, MDRA vice president Faqrul Hafiz Abu Bakar, and Cranfield.
MIRI (May 19): There was great fanfare at Miri Stadium yesterday upon the conclusion of the Hornbill 7s Rugby Tournament 2025, which showcased top young rugby talents from schools across Miri and beyond.
The competition, which introduced age categories younger than those in previous editions, centered on developing future talents with officials and coaches also eyeing prospects for next year's Sukma (Malaysia Games).
Miri Division Rugby Association (MDRA) advisor Landale Cranfield was quick to stress the tournament's role in talent scouting and long-term athlete development.
'We have seen potential talent from the Under-12s right through to the older age groups. By teaching fundamentals to these youngsters now, we could develop elite athletes over the next decade who can represent Sarawak and Malaysia at international levels,' he said.
He also highlighted the growing support for women's rugby, noting the rapid development since 2012.
Miri city councillor Victor Lau, who represented Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin at the closing ceremony, underscored the government's commitment to sports development as part of its social and political agenda.
'We hope for more support from the teachers,' he said while emphasising the role of parents, teachers and the wider community to build a healthy and inclusive sporting culture.
Cranfield acknowledged the contributions of government agencies in promoting the sport but expressed the hope for more funding on development to widen the talent pool and ensure a steady pipeline of future rugby players.
Miri Hornbill players are seen with officials.
In the Boys Under-14, SM St Michael from Penampang, Sabah emerged champion with SM Sains Miri runner-up.
SM Sains Miri, however, claimed the Boys Under-17 title followed by SMK Tebedu.
The Girls Under-17 champion was NRDP Labuan with SMK Merbau runner-up.
Miri Hornbill topped the Men's Under-20 ahead of Baram Rhinos Jr second and KV Miri third.
Hornbill 7s 2025 ended with organisers and coaches expressing optimism about the future of rugby in the region, pointing to training camps, talent identification programmes and community support as the way forward.
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