The Star Malaysia

No Dugro treat for rugby fans as he’s attached to Dolphins

- By T. AVINESHWAR­AN

PETALING JAYA: Local rugby fans will not get to see K. Dineshwara­n (pic) in action.

Although back in Malaysia, he is still under contract with his Japanese club Hino Red Dolphins.

The 32-year-old is currently keeping himself in shape at a rugby club in Kuala Lumpur with his good friend and fellow national teammate Marc Le and fitness enthusiast Linora Low.

“No, I won’t be joining any state team. At the moment I’m still attached with Hino and I don’t think my club will be happy if I play here,” he confirmed.

The player fondly known as Dugro signed a three-year deal with the club in 2019.

Malaysian Rugby Union said there will be no Super League and Super Cup matches but have given consent to their affiliates to hold competitio­ns in their respective states.

Dineshwara­n has been in Japan for the last six years and was in the midst of playing for his club when the Covid-19 struck.

In the 2019-2020 Top League season, Dineshwara­n played four games and missed the last two due to suspension.

Out of six games, Hino only won one when they beat Green Rockets 27-17 where Dineshwara­n scored a try.

He was hoping to turn out for Malaysia in the Asian Rugby Championsh­ip but that has been ruled out.

Earlier this month, Asia Rugby decided to cancel all competitio­ns scheduled from Oct 1 to Dec 31.

I would like to add that, sports might not build a career for everyone but it builds a strong character.

K. Dineshwara­n

“It was hard to take but in this difficult period, we should cooperate with whatever decisions. But I do wish for the league to start early next year.

“I think all kinds of sport are going through the same situation but as an athlete, we need to do the right thing to keep ourselves fit and ready.

“And I would like to add that, sports might not build a career for everyone but it builds a strong character.

“So I believe sports is very important in everyone’s lifestyle.”

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