Rugby teams gear up for SUKMA

KUCHING: Preparations for the Sarawak men’s and women’s teams are well underway for the upcoming SUKMA in August, with both teams currently undergoing a training camp in Miri.

Faqrul Hafiz, the team manager for the Sarawak rugby team, stated that the teams are currently in Miri, where they are focused on reaching their peak performance.

“At the moment, both teams are in Miri for our training camp, ensuring that our performance is at its peak. We are in a specific phase of training, focusing on specific areas and maintaining high intensity,” he told Sarawak Tribune after the KRFC Rainforest Sevens Rugby Championship on Sunday (June 30) at the Song Kheng Hai Rugby Field.

Faqrul further shared that the goal for both the men’s and women’s rugby teams is to secure a podium finish at the upcoming SUKMA.

“We are hoping for another opportunity to gain more game time, and hopefully, next month we will be going to Penang for another match. That game will serve as preparation before SUKMA,” he said.

Faqrul expressed optimism that both the men’s and women’s rugby teams will win gold medals. However, he acknowledged that rugby can be unpredictable, but they are fully committed to working hard and overcoming any challenges to achieve their goal.

“Our primary target is gold for both the men’s and women’s teams, but we are aware that anything can happen. Nevertheless, we will strive for it,” he said.

For the record, the rugby event at the upcoming SUKMA is scheduled to take place from August 19 to August 22.