Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s Marytheresa Raj Thevaraj has been named captain of the national Under-20 team bound for the Asia Rugby U20 sevens tournament in Uzbekistan from November 5-6.
The 19-year-old from Penampang had twice represented Sabah in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) where she helped the team to win gold in 2018 and bronze this year.
She is currently in her first year at Universiti Malaysia Sabah taking up a degree in Biotechnology after finishing her secondary school at Maktab Sabah, and is the first Sabah Collegean to lead the national team in rugby.
Marytheresa has a wealth of experience under her belt, having played for Malaysia at the Asia Rugby Under-17 2017 in Dubai, UAE and also played in numerous open and age-group category competitions since 2015.
Meanwhile, her Sukma teammates Emylyea Iskandar, 18, and Mary Isabelle Sylvester, 19, both from Sandakan have also made the final list of 12.
They were among the 21 players including another Sabahan Julianne Myra Robin shortlisted for selection trial earlier.
The team will be led by team manager Ahmad Effendy Abdul Razak with ER Emran L Mohd Ali as the head coach assisted by Normasyirah Zahari and physio Nur Ainsafia Umar Hamizi.
Sabah Rugby Union (SRU) president Vela Tan was delighted with the three making the cut.
“We are very happy for them and also proud that their talent has earned them a spot in the national team.
“Furthermore, the appointment of Marytheresa as team captain is a further honour to the State and also a recognition of her individual leadership qualities,” he said.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
