History of Rugby in Malaysia

Introduction

Rugby is played throughout the world and originates from football in England in the early 1800s. It is often termed as a leisure activity. However, Rugby in Malaysia has a unique history that could mesmerize us. There is evidence that shows our predecessors playing rugby feverishly centuries ago. Some of us might have a strong opinion on how harsh the rugby game could be, as it looks extremely intense, fierce, and soul-wrenching, fairly similar to a war. Yet, most enthusiastic Malaysians would play rugby from dusk till dawn rather than snoozing.

History of Rugby in Malaysia

In Malaysia, rugby might not be as fabled and legendary as football, which is screened on television daily, but it still plays a crucial role in Malaysians’ hearts. Some Malaysians believe that rugby was founded by a 16-year-old boy named William Ellis. William, one day, interrupted a football game by picking up the ball and running towards the goal post. His friends then started to chase and tackle him physically to get the ball. Interestingly, the faster he ran with the ball, the more players tried to run after him to get it. This incident was recorded plainly in school history but was not concise enough to make a change in the history of sports in the early 1800s. Based on my research, that’s what most Malaysians reckon is the history of rugby due to an article in The Meteor, which functions as early proof (Author, Year).

Ultimately, the evolution of rugby in Malaysia was quite slow due to the First World War. In the early 1900s, the first rugby game was held in Negeri Sembilan. In the meantime, the engagement of Europeans in volunteerism for preparing the Malaysian Rugby team was highly welcomed. Despite this, the first rugby training was conducted in Padang Stesen, Seremban, drawing the attention of a huge number of local citizens. Approximately 50 young men volunteered to join the rugby training and helped form the first official Malaysia Rugby Team. This initiative gradually fascinated people in Selangor, Penang, Perak, and Singapore.

Formation of Regional Teams

Each state in Malaysia then established its own rugby team, such as The Edwardians (Taiping), The Birch Rompers (Perak), and The Penang Asians (Penang). The first rugby tournament, the All Blues League, was held in 1934, and Perak emerged as the champion. In the same manner, this tournament turned into an annual championship, as it involved a tremendous number of youngsters. Years later, another rugby championship, the Malaya Cup, made its appearance, followed by “Piala Agong,” which is the most famous rugby championship currently in Malaysia, played between the 13 states in Malaysia.

Modern Developments and Women’s Rugby

The evolution of the rugby game in Malaysia grew expeditiously as the government included rugby as an official sport in “Kejohanan Anggota Kerajaan” and the Malaysia School Sports Council (MSSM). This development was, and still is, appreciated by a large number of teenagers and young adults. On the contrary, as the news of Women’s Rugby Evolution from Ireland was delivered swiftly, it caught the eyes and attention of most women. Nonetheless, the involvement of European women in rugby in the late 1900s inspired young women in Malaysia and eventually helped in organizing the Malaysia Women’s Rugby Team (Author, Year).

International Influence and Future Prospects

A decade ago, in the HMS Malaya Cup, European players were being attentively challenged by Malaysian players as Malaysian players improved their standards, techniques, and physical and mental strengths intermittently. Now that the government promotes, arranges, and imports coaches, strategists, and players from Europe, Africa, and even America, the performance of Malaysian players is cultivated and enhanced in many ways. This international collaboration has not only improved the skill set of local players but also increased the popularity and appreciation of rugby as a sport across the nation.

Conclusion

Rugby has come a long way in Malaysia, from its humble beginnings to a sport that is now appreciated and enjoyed by many. The sport continues to grow, with increasing support from both the government and international communities. As rugby in Malaysia continues to evolve, it promises to inspire future generations to embrace the sport with passion and dedication.

References

• Author, A. A. (Year). Title of the article. The Meteor.
• Author, B. B. (Year). History of Rugby in Malaysia. Publisher.
• Author, C. C. (Year). Women’s Rugby Evolution. Journal Name.