The host team Stingrays RC (in purple jerseys) attempts to break through the defense of Politeknik Malaysia Kota Bharu during a group stage match at the UMT 25th Anniversary Rugby Tournament, held at the Tengku Muhammad Ismail Sports Complex UMT, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu.

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) celebrated its 25th anniversary in a distinctive way by hosting its first-ever university rugby tournament, organized entirely by students from local institutions of higher learning.

The one-day event at the Tengku Muhammad Ismail Sports Complex featured eight invited teams competing in 20 matches.

Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (in red jerseys) was among the visiting teams from outside Terengganu that joined the competition, adding intensity to the UMT 25th Anniversary Rugby Tournament at the Tengku Muhammad Ismail Sports Complex.

The initiative set a new benchmark for the UMT Student Representative Council (MPP), supported by the university’s Sports & Recreation Centre, in proving their ability to deliver a tournament on par with external organizers.

Tournament director Nurul Syazwani Norazman, a Bachelor of Tourism Management student, described the experience as a turning point.

Tournament director Nurul Syazwani Norazman (center), a second-year Bachelor of Tourism Management student, together with fellow committee members who successfully managed the inaugural UMT 25th Anniversary Rugby Tournament.

“This is a new experience for us as organizers, having previously only participated as players. Although we started with eight invited teams, the inclusion of squads from Pahang and Kelantan raised the bar. With the positive feedback received, we are confident about staging a larger tournament later this year,” she said.

The event also provided valuable match time for Stingrays RC, UMT’s sole rugby club, helping the team maintain competitive momentum.

***KPTM Bullets RC (in yellow jerseys) battles against Thunder UCTATI RC during the group stage of the UMT 25th Anniversary Rugby Tournament at the Tengku Muhammad Ismail Sports Complex, Kuala Nerus.***

Meanwhile, Mohd Ad Deen Al Haj Zulkefly, team manager of KPTM Bullets RC from Kuantan, emphasized the importance of making the tournament an annual fixture due to the scarcity of rugby competitions in the East Coast.

“We were willing to travel from Kuantan because rugby events are rare in this region. Despite being organized entirely by UMT students with no prior technical experience, they executed it flawlessly. Credit must go to their efforts, and we hope this becomes a yearly event, with categories for IPT and women’s rugby introduced,” said Mohd Ad Deen, who also serves as an academic and examinations officer.

In the inaugural edition, Tuetowear RC emerged champions after defeating IPG KB from Kelantan with a commanding 30–0 victory. The host team, Stingrays RC, finished as Plate runners-up after falling 5–21 to Dungun Rugby.