1,000 players from various countries to take part in rugby tourney

30 July 2010 , By The Star

More than 1,000 players from all over the nation and Singapore are expected to take part in the largest rugby tournament, Iskandar Malaysia 10’s Rugby Challenge this year.

The three-day tournament, which was the brainchild of the Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar is set to kick off tomorrow until Aug 1.

Johor Rugby Union (JRU) president Mohd Noorazam Osman said this was the third time Johor was hosting the competition, which is jointly organised by Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) and the JRU.

“I believe the tournament will showcase the state’s long and proud rugby history and as a channel for promoting the sport among Johoreans.

“The objective of the rugby challenge is to foster unity and harmony following the Prime Minister’s 1Malaysia concept so we encourage people from multi-racial backgrounds to participate,” he said during a press conference here recently.

Mohd Noorazam explained the games, which starts at 8am until 6pm, would be played in a knockout format.

“Each team is required to play 10-a-side as compared to previous tournaments where they played 7-a-side.

“The competition is divided into two categories under 18 years-old and under 15 years-old,” he said, adding that the matches would be telecast live on Astro Arena, Channel 80.

He also said celebrity sports commentator Rashid Salleh would be hosting the matches between 4pm and 7pm.

“There will be four categories of winners for both categories, which are cup champion, plate champion, bowl champion and spoon champion.

“The cup champions will bring home a trophy, medals, gift hampers and a set of jerseys,” he said.

IRDA chief operational officer Hilmi Mohd Nashir said the tournament was a good opportunity to inculcate the love of rugby among students.

“Registration is still open for those who are interested to enter and registration fee is only RM200 per team.

“Teams coming from other countries or states do not have to worry about accommodation and transport as the tournament has that area covered,” he said. For details, call 07-5523 820 or ragbijohor@gmail.com.