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New Straits Times
11-08-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Bridging rugby 'sizing gap' imperative, says Malaysia Rugby
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Rugby (MR) is looking at ways to help physically strengthen national players and put them on a level playing field with their competitors. MR head of talent development committee Shahizam Tukiran admitted that Malaysian players begin to lag behind their counterparts in terms of size, especially teams with Caucasian players, once they enter their late teens. The national junior (under-18) squad did well to win Malaysia's maiden Asian School Rugby Sevens championship title in Hong Kong yesterday (Aug 10), beating China, Kazakhstan, Thailand and Singapore en route to the title. The national under-20 squad also did well to finish third at the Asia Rugby Under-20 Championship in Bihar, India yesterday. They beat China (28-17) and Uzbekistan (17-0) but drew with Kazakhstan (17-17) during the group stage and later lost to favourites Hong Kong (33-5) in the semi-finals before bouncing back to beat China (19-7) in the third-place playoff. "We are pleased with both teams' performances. We have always done well in the Asia School Rugby tournament but had never won it prior to this," said Shahizam when contacted today (Aug 11). "To finish third in the under-20 competition is also a positive sign for us as we have not won the tournament since 2013. "The under-20 tournament, however, highlighted the fact that our players lag behind in terms of size, compared to other teams, once they reach that age (20). "It (sizing difference) is not yet apparent in under-18 competitions but it is clear to see once they are about 20. "We did well to score first against Hong Kong in the semi-finals but we could not hold them back once they began to use their physical strength to their advantage. "In terms of skill, fitness and pace, I believe we are on par, or perhaps even better than other top Asian nations. We are just lacking in terms of size and that is something we have to work on." Shahizam, who is also the head of MR's high-performance committee, said the national body is looking to work together with the Education Ministry, Higher Education Ministry as well as the National Sports Institute (NSI) to tackle the issue. "We have to continue working together with all stakeholders to both identify players with good size and make sure they can physically achieve their full potential," said Shahizam. "We have to continue monitoring our players once they leave school and enter university. We need to come up with programmes which ensures their physical development is continuous. "For players who are still in school, it is also important to have the parents on board as their support is crucial when it comes to development." Malaysia had won the Asia Rugby Under-20 title back to back in 2012-2013 when it was held in Johor during both years. The squad was coached by the revered former national head coach Wan Ibrahim Wan Chik.
New Straits Times
10-08-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Bunga Raya juniors clinch maiden Asian School Rugby Sevens title
Caption: The national junior team emerged victorious at the Asian School Rugby Sevens in Hong Kong today (Aug 10).--PIC COURTESY OF MALAYSIA RUGBY KUALA LUMPUR: The national junior squad held their nerve to edge Singapore 31-26 in the final and emerge champions of the Asian School Rugby Sevens in Hong Kong today (Aug 10). Both sides were tied at the end of regulation time which forced extra time at the King's Park Sports Ground. Anas Nizam emerged the hero, scoring the golden try to secure Malaysia's maiden title in the competition. Malaysia had beaten Thailand 24-5 in the semi-finals and had earlier downed Kazakhstan (40-5) and China (29-15) to top group B. Head coach Nazeer Nesharah said it was a proud moment for the team. "The players worked together really well and gave it their all. I am really pleased with how they performed," said Nazeer. "I believe these players can go far if we continue to guide them and give them the preparation they need to be competitive against even stronger teams." Nazeer, who had the support of Syahir Asyraf Rosli, had called up players from Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School and Malaysia Pahang Sports School for the tournament. The competition is in its fourth edition this year. It is usually held once every three years though was paused after the Covid-19 pandemic. Malaysia's previous best achievement in the tournament was finishing runners-up to Hong Kong during the 2019 edition held in Johor. Meanwhile, Malaysia finished third in the Asia Rugby Under-20 Championships in Bihar, India today after beating China 19-7 in the third-place playoff. The squad had earlier lost 33-5 to favourites Hong Kong in the semi-finals. Malaysia had earlier beaten China (28-17) and Uzbekistan (17-0) but drew with Kazakhstan (17-17) during the group stage.
