Uzbekistan women ruggers undergoing pre-tournament training at the Eagles Rugby Club today.
SANDAKAN (April 18): Rain or shine, the spirit of rugby sevens burns bright in Sandakan as the KLK Borneo Sevens International Rugby Tournament returns for its landmark 20th edition this weekend.
Hosted at the Eagles Rugby Club in Bandar Utama, the two-day tournament (April 19–20) promises fast-paced action, international flair, and a celebration of community resilience despite unusually soggy conditions.
“This year has been exceptionally wet,” said Vela Tan, President of the Eagles Rugby Club and Organising Chairman of KLK Borneo Sevens 2025 of the weather in Sandakan.
“April is normally the driest month, but even yesterday it was still pouring. The field has been quite badly damaged, especially with the youth matches earlier today. We’re rolling the turf and patching up where we can. We are taking extra precautions to protect the players,” he said when met today.
Held under the theme “Unity and Sustainability,” this year’s Borneo Sevens continues to grow in stature, drawing elite teams from across Asia and the Pacific.
Sanctioned by the Malaysia Rugby Union and Asia Rugby, the tournament is now firmly entrenched as a key fixture on the regional rugby calendar.
Countries represented this year include Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Uzbekistan, UAE, China and Australia.
On the women’s side, defending champions Borneo Flyers are hoping to retain their title after a standout performance last year.
Managed by Noor Shaidan Sa’ad, the team features a mix of local Sabah talent and reinforcements from New Zealand.
“Our hope is to defend our title,” said Noor.
“The competition will be tough, no doubt, but the Flyers are ready to give it their all.”
This year’s women’s squad includes eight local players and four from New Zealand, a lineup Noor believes strikes a strong balance of experience and homegrown energy.
Tournament Pools
Men’s Pool A
• Borneo Eagles (Malaysia)
• Uzbekistan
• Malaysia University
• DKI Jakarta (Indonesia)
Men’s Pool B
• Briars RFC (Australia)
• Shaheen 7s (UAE)
• Singapore Development
• All For One (Thailand)
Women’s Pool C
• Borneo Flyers (Malaysia)
• Briars RFC (Australia)
• Singapore Development
Women’s Pool D
• Uzbekistan
• Eagles RFC Select (Philippines)
• DKI Jakarta (Indonesia)
• Huangganguoji RC (China)
Notably absent from the men’s lineup are the 2024 champions, New Zealand Cavaliers, leaving the field wide open for a new or returning champion to emerge.
Winners of both the men’s and women’s tournaments will each take home USD5,000 in cash and the prestigious challenge trophy. Runners-up will be awarded USD2,000 respectively.
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