Cobra add more sting in bid to wrest title

KUALA LUMPUR: Combined Old Boys Rugby Association (Cobra) have roped in 14 foreigners to add bite to their challenge in the 49th edition of the Cobra 10s tournament.

They have signed on 12 New Zealanders, one Fijian and one Tongan – in a bid to wrest the title at the Petaling Jaya Stadium in Kelana Jaya from Nov 9-10.

The foreign players will arrive tomorrow to train under Kiwi coach Clayton McMillan.

Nazarudin Borhan, Cobra’s logistic and liaison officer, said they would have the services of the top provincial players from New Zealand and are hoping to give clubs from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand a run for their money.

“Last year, we didn’t do so well in the tournament. This time, our mission is to win it and I hope these players can complement each other,” said Nazarudin.

“We are expecting a tough competition but I’m optimistic our boys will deliver.”

A total of 12 teams will feature in the two-day tournament and Cobra are drawn in Group C with West Coast Sharks 1, Bali Development of Indonesia and RMAF Blackhawks.

Group A comprises Auckland Varsity Vipers of New Zealand, Brimbank Bucks of Australia, West Coast Sharks 2 and KL Saracens while NNK Northlink of South Africa, Global Lions of New Zealand, N Silverbacks and Polis Bersatu are in Group B.

Cobra organising chairman Tan Sri Krishnan Tan hopes that the ongoing rugby World Cup in Japan would boost the local teams and players to give their best in the tournament.

“Japan showed tremendous progress in the World Cup by reaching the quarter-finals and this should motivate more teams to improve the standard of the game in Asia,” said Krishnan.

“Two new teams Brimbank Bucks and Bali Development are making their debut.

“Overall, fans can expect some top-class matches at the PJ Stadium,” said Krishnan after receiving mock cheques from Carlsberg Malaysia Berhad and IJM Corporation Berhad here yesterday.