Borneo Sevens continues to gain international recognition
KOTA KINABALU: The Borneo International Clubs Sevens slated for February 27 to March 1 in Sandakan continues to gain recognition from Asia’s governing body for the sport.
The competition has a 15-year history since 2001 and has gained wide recognition from the rugby world. And this year’s edition marks another milestone for the Borneo Sevens with the debut of the Asia-Pacific Cross Regional Sevens.
Commenting on the inaugural event and background of the tournament host and organisers, Asia Rugby Football Union president Trevor Gregory is confident the sport will undergo positive changes as exemplified in past years.
“The Sabah Rugby Union and Eagles Rugby Club Sandakan have proven themselves to be enthusiastic and competent organisers of major tournaments and I am confident that we have the right partners, with which to launch this very special event,” he said in his message in the tournament’s souvenir programme.
“With seven men’s and eight women’s international teams participating, the Asia Pacific Cross-Regional Sevens, will be an action-packed event that truly reflects the skill and international appeal of rugby sevens,” Trevor added.
He believes this new series, introduced by ARFU with the sanction of World Rugby, will mark the first of many such events of a trans-continental nature, to help take rugby in Asia, to greater heights.
“With rugby sevens set to make its debut at the 2016 Olympics, in Rio de Janeiro, teams from all of the World Rugby regions are looking for more competitive opportunities against other international unions and the Asia Pacific Cross-Regional Sevens will make a fine launch pad to start from,” Trevor said.
He welcomes all the participating teams from Oceania in the spirit of enhancing rugby in the region, through friendly competition and sharing in the Olympic dream.
“We also welcome all of the teams participating in the international clubs tournament, which marks the 15th anniversary of that event. With both elite international and club competitions under the Borneo 7s banner, I am confident that much excitement is in store for the fans, in the coming days.
On behalf of ARFU, Trevor thanked the Malaysia Rugby Union and Sabah Rugby Union, for extending their full cooperation and assistance, to make the event a reality.