14 nations to take part in Borneo Sevens 2015
KOTA KINABALU: Local ruggers or fans alike will be in for a treat when the Borneo Sevens 2015 take centre stage at the home of the Eagles Rugby Club i n Bandar Utama i n Sandakan from February 27 to March 1.
The tournament, dubbed as the Greenest Sevens in the World, will feature some of the top names in the game, and this includes New Zealand rugby sevens icon in Derek Jamie Forbes or fondly known as DJ Forbes.
Organising chairman Velayuthan Tan confirmed that the captain of New Zealand rugby sevens will be here in his capacity as a tournament ambassador.
DJ Forbes, who also plays rugby 15s, was among the winner of the World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, where he scooped the award in 2008.
“We are bringing him to help motivate and inspire our young players. We hope that his presence would help instill greater interest among our youngsters in the sport,” said Vela, who is also the president of the Sabah Rugby Union and the Eagles Rugby Club.
DJ Forbes aside, Vela said he was happy with the development of their preparations ahead of the big day.
“Having had organised it successfully many times i n the past, I think in terms of organisation, it is pretty much easier now. It is just a matter of trying to do a better job. And so far, our preparations have been going on smoothly,” he said.
Vela was also thankful to the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) for giving them the opportunity to host the Asia Pacific Cross Regional Sevens.
“It goes without saying, we want to enhance the popularity of the Borneo Sevens. And with ARFU’s decision to let us host the inaugural Asia Pacific Cross Regional Sevens it is just the perfect boost to the tournament,” said Vela.
Borneo Sevens that entered its 14th edition this year will featu re a tota l of 3 4 teams from 14 nations including Malaysia.
The rest of the participating countries are Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Japan, Singapore, Tonga, Samoa, Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, Thailand, China and Sri Lanka.
Apart from the Asia Pacific Cross Regional Sevens, there will also be I nter nat iona l Clubs, for men and women, as wel l as the inaug ural International Under-16 boys.
For the record, a total of US$39,20 0 of prizes await the winning team with the Cup Champions receiving US$12,500 in men’s division and US$5,000 for women’s division.
The Plate Champions will pocket US$2,0 0 0 for men’s division and US$1,0 0 0 for women.
The Bowl Champions will receive US$50 0. The winners will also receive trophies and medals.