Malaysia aim to host World Sevens

MALAYSIA Rugby (MR) have confirmed that they will be submitting a bid to host a round of the World Sevens Series (WSS) starting from 2019.

MR honorary secretary Jamaluddin Salim said the national body must hand in all necessary bidding documentation by Feb 28 next year.

“The MR executive council recently gave the green light to proceed (with bid). We are bidding for the rights to host one round (annually) of the WSS for the 2019 to 2023 cycle,” said Jamaluddin yesterday.

“The tournament committee will now work to put together the necessary requirements and paperwork. We will reassess what we have compiled in early February and determine whether we are fit to proceed or not, however, I do not foresee any problems.

“We also have to officially inform our intent to the Sports Commissioners Office as well as the Sports Ministry.”

If the bid is successful, it will be the second time Malaysia will host a round of the event after doing so in 2001-2002.

Jamaluddin added that hosting the competition will help the sport in a number of aspects.

“It will give Malaysians the chance to watch some of the biggest names in the world competing live rather than watching on TV, hopefully this will inspire our younger generation of players.

“Our current crop of players had the chance to do the same and watched the late Jonah Lomu play (in 2001-2002) here before.

“By hosting it we are also allowed to raise sponsorship within the guidelines set. This, along with ticket sales, can be channeled to our development programmes and tournaments.

“It will also raise our profile as a rugby playing nation and also bring in tourism spending as WSS has a great following.”

Despite being hosts, Malaysia will still have to qualify to compete in the tournament.

WSS is hosted in 10 cities: Dubai, Cape Town, Sydney, Hamilton (NZ), Las Vegas, Vancouver, Hong Kong, Singapore, London and Paris. Fadhli Ishak