Tough Sukma challenge but Sarawak rugby teams stay optimistic

KUCHING: Sarawak men’s rugby team faces tough challengers Johor, Terengganu and Pahang in Group C  in the upcoming Malaysia Games (Sukma) Sarawak 2024 

Team manager Faqrul Hafiz is fully optimistic that the team can perform an upset and qualify for the quarter-finals.

“Group C will be a tough challenge for Sarawak’s men as Johor and Terengganu are strong opponents based on their performance at the National 7s before.

“But we will do our best to beat them and qualify for the quarter-finals,” he told Sarawak Tribune when contacted on Monday (July 29).

The Sarawak men’s rugby team were runner’s up in a rugby tournament in Balik Pulau last week

Adding further, Faqrul shared that the team are currently in good shape with training more focused on set pieces and game simulations.

“We are thankful that all our players are in good physical (condition) and mentally as we have less than three weeks to go,” he said.

The men’s rugby team was in Balik Pulau last week and finished as runners-up after defeat to Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

Earlier, it was announced that the Sarawak women’s rugby team has been drawn into Group E with Kedah, Penang, Melaka and Johor.

Nevertheless, on paper all teams have an equal chance and only the best performance will determine success.

The rugby event is scheduled to take place from Aug 19 to 22 and will be played at the Miri Outdoor Stadium.