SANDAKAN: Despite the uncertain weather, the spirit of rugby sevens burns bright in Sandakan as the KLK Borneo Sevens International Rugby Tournament returns for its landmark 20th edition this weekend.
Hosted at the Eagles Rugby Club in Bandar Utama, the two-day tournament (April 19–20) promises fast-paced action, international flair and a celebration of community resilience despite unusually soggy conditions.
“This year has been exceptionally wet,” said Vela Tan, President of the Eagles Rugby Club and Organising Chairman of KLK Borneo Sevens 2025, of the weather in Sandakan.
“April is normally the driest month, but even yesterday it was still pouring. The field has been quite badly damaged, especially with the youth matches earlier today.
“We’re rolling the turf and patching up where we can. We are taking extra precautions to protect the players,” he said when met on Friday.
Held under the theme “Unity and Sustainability,” this year’s Borneo Sevens continues to grow in stature, drawing elite teams from across Asia and the Pacific.
Sanctioned by both the Malaysia Rugby Union and Asia Rugby, the tournament is now firmly entrenched as a key fixture on the regional rugby calendar.
Countries represented this year include Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Uzbekistan, UAE, China, and Australia.
On the women’s side, defending champions Borneo Flyers are hoping to retain their title after a standout performance last year.
Managed by Noor Shaidan Sa’ad, the team features a mix of local Sabah talent and reinforcements from New Zealand.
“Our hope is to defend our title. The competition will be tough, no doubt, but the Flyers are ready to give it their all,” he said.
This year’s women’s squad includes eight local players and four from New Zealand, a line-up Noor believes strikes a strong balance of experience and homegrown energy.
Among the participating teams for Men’s Pool A are Borneo Eagles (Malaysia), Uzbekistan, Malaysia University, DKI Jakarta (Indonesia) while in Men’s Pool B are Briars RFC (Australia), Shaheen 7s (UAE), Singapore Development and All For One (Thailand).
Meanwhile, the Women’s Pool C features Borneo Flyers (Malaysia), Briars RFC (Australia) and Singapore Development while Uzbekistan, Eagles RFC Select (Philippines), DKI Jakarta (Indonesia) and Huangganguoji RC (China) are in Pool D.
Notably absent from the men’s line-up are the 2024 champions, New Zealand Cavaliers, leaving the field wide open for a new or returning champion to emerge.
Winners of both the men’s and women’s tournaments will each take home US$5,000 in cash and the prestigious challenge trophy. Runners-up will be awarded US$2,000 respectively.