SIBU: Defending champion Sibu Division Rugby Union (SDRU) is gunning for a record 17th Sarawak Rugby Union (SRU) President Cup triumph on June 14 and 15, at the SMK Sacred Heart field here.
SDRU chief coach Michael Ting said his players had been pumping iron in their training for the past few days in preparation for the tournament.
“We are not taking any chances and we want to win and cement our reputation as the powerbase for rugby,” he said when contacted.
As usual, four teams from the state are expected to take part in the championship – two from southern zone, one from northern zone and Sibu Swans from central zone.
From the southern zone, Ting said four teams would be vying for honors to earn the qualifying ticket for the final in Sibu.
They are Kuching Division Rugby Union, SHAOW Old Boys, ATM 10th Ranger and a combined University Rugby Club.
The four teams would be involved in a league match and the top two winners will represent the southern zone for the final in Sibu.
Miri Division Rugby Union (MRDU) and Bintulu Division Rugby Union (BDRU) will vie for a berth in the final in Sibu.
Ting admitted that it would be a huge task for his boys to defend the title, saying “Again, we will have to rely on the service on our only Fijian, Iowane Sovatabua Taukeisalili.”
Ting said Iowane, 26, had been instrumental to SDRU’s success though he acknowledged the contribution of several back-up players to ensure that SDRU won back-to-back titles in the past year. Ting also mentioned that other teams would not be coming to make up the numbers.
“They are also eyeing for the title.”
Citing MDRU, he said they had also engaged the service of a Fijian to boost their chance of winning.
Nevertheless, with a potent blend of youth and experience making up its illustrious team, Ting expected his boys to flex their muscles and rose on the occasion when it matter most.
Ting said SDRU would not be complacent, saying they will continue to put in efforts to ensure that SRU’s President Cup remains with SDRU.
“We have been champions for 16 times and we do not see any reason why we should not retain the title yet again this year.”
The SRU President Cup had been organized for the past 19 years. SDRU was champions for 16 times, with KDRU taking the titles on two occasions.
Outstanding players will be shortlisted for the annual Agong’s Cup, slated to be held in Kuala Lumpur in late September.