KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 -- The national men’s 7s rugby squad are targeting a top-seven finish in the Asia Rugby Sevens Series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Nov 19-20 to avoid being relegated to the second-tier Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy.
Head coach Mohd Saizul Hafifi Md Noor said a top-seven finish would also ensure the national team would continue to compete against major rugby powers like Hong Kong, Japan, China, Sri Lanka and South Korea in the top-tier Series.
“The team’s mission is to be among the top seven considering this is our first outing after two years. So, to remain (in the Series) and among the best eight in Asia are what we are aiming for.
“All the players have their own strengths and most of those chosen can play in more than one position,” he said in a statement today.
Malaysia finished eighth - and last - in the 2018 Asia Rugby Sevens Series and were relegated to the second tier the following season. Malaysia, however, regained their spot in the top-tier after winning the Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy in 2019.
This time Malaysia have been drawn with South Korea, Hong Kong and the Philippines in Group A of the Asia Rugby Sevens Series, which also acts as the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens Qualifiers, while Group B comprises hosts UAE, Japan, Sri Lanka and China.
The top two teams from each group will meet in the crossover semi-finals while the finalists will qualify for the Rugby World Cup Sevens Finals to be held in Cape Town, South Africa next September.
“My hope is that we can play our best and go all out,” said Mohd Saizul, who added that the team would leave for the UAE on Nov 17.
Following is the list of national men and women’s seven-a-side rugby squads who will compete in the Asia Rugby Sevens Series in the UAE on Nov 19-20:
Men’s Team
| 1 | Muhammad Ameer Nasrun Zulkefli (Captain) |
| 2 | Muhammad Azwan Zuwairi Mat Zizi |
| 3 | Muhammad Zulhisham Rasli |
| 4 | Amalul Hazim Nasarrudin |
| 5 | Muhammad Kamal Hamidi Mohd Raihan |
| 6 | Muhammad Hasif Sharifuddin |
| 7 | Hafizie Sudin |
| 8 | Adam Ariff Alias |
| 9 | Muhd Shah Izwan Nordin |
| 10 | Muhammad Fuad Mohd Salleh |
| 11 | Wan Azley Wan Omar |
| 12 | Muhammad Safiy Md Said |
Women’s Team
| 1 | Euphrasia Anne Cralis (Captain) |
| 2 | Cindy John Pasan |
| 3 | Fidelia Limang Anak Telajan |
| 4 | Wan Zufirah Mohd Nasir |
| 5 | Josie Mavcellina Gone |
| 6 | Norfarahana Abd Aziz |
| 7 | Afiqah Fatinah Mohd Izan |
| 8 | Nur Izzah Azizan |
| 9 | Shania Suinani Baduk |
| 10 | Nur Syazana Muhamad Zahir |
| 11 | Maslina Ahmad Ismail |
| 12 | Christina Edris |
-- BERNAMA
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