In a spirited effort to strengthen local rugby development programs, 10 teams from various schools and higher learning institutions in Kuala Terengganu and Kuala Nerus converged for a friendly match at the Tengku Muhammad Ismail Rugby Stadium, Terengganu State Sports Complex. This exciting event brought together nearly 400 players, along with their management teams, to celebrate the sport and foster unity.

Thanks to the unwavering support from the Terengganu State Education Department (JPNT), Terengganu State Sports Council (MSNT), and the Terengganu State Rugby Association, this event set a new benchmark in providing young rugby players with the invaluable opportunity to play in a prestigious stadium for the first time.

Participating teams included Sekolah Menengah Sains Sultan Mahmud (SESMA), Sekolah Berasrama Penuh Integrasi Batu Rakit (Brains), Maktab Rendah Sains Mara Kuala Terengganu (MRSM KT), Kolej Vokasional Wakaf Tembesu (KVWT), and Institut Pendidikan Guru Malaysia Kampus Dato’ Razali Ismail (IPGKDRI).

“Choosing the Tengku Muhammad Ismail Rugby Stadium was a shared decision to ignite the excitement of our young rugby trainees, who are students from around the district,” said program director Mohd Nazren Dasir, also a teacher at Sekolah Menengah Sains Sultan Mahmud (SESMA).

“Many of these students have been part of their school’s rugby development programs since the age of 13 and have continued to advance to higher levels. I also want to express my gratitude to JPNT, MSNT, and the Terengganu State Rugby Association, along with several other parties, for realizing this initiative for the development of sports among school students,” he added.

Nizam Kamal, representing the Terengganu State Rugby Association (PRNT), echoed his thanks to JPNT and other supporters, including parents, who have consistently backed the rugby development programs from school level onwards.

“There are no obstacles from PRNT in empowering any rugby development program in the state. It is our responsibility to support and assist, leveraging all available facilities for any party. We must continually and fully support all efforts for rugby development programs, particularly from schools, which are the largest grassroots stakeholders in the nation,” he stated.

“Furthermore, it is our duty to identify young talents as part of our efforts to provide them with opportunities to compete on higher platforms,” added Nizam Kamal, who also serves as the team manager for the Terengganu 7s rugby squad at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA).

For the record, grassroots rugby development programs from schools across Terengganu have been ongoing for many years. However, since 2016, participation from several schools has been steadily increasing, leading to the establishment of more rugby teams.