Sarawak back in Agong’s Cup after 3-year lapse

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The Sarawak team pose for a group photograph upon their arrival at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport yesterday.

KUCHING: Sarawak are targeting to reach the semi-finals of the 35th Agong’s Cup Rugby Championship in Kuala Lumpur after receiving a bye together with Sabah who were third last year.

The 35-member team coached by Michael Ting will be playing Kedah in the quarterfinals next Monday (Aug 21) while the other quarterfinals will be played between Terengganu and Kelantan, Sabah and defending champions Perak, last year’s runners-up Johor and Negeri Sembilan.

If Sarawak beat Kedah, they will travel to Terengganu for the semi-finals.

Sarawak’s challenge are shouldered by Abang Aswandi Abang Sauli, Abang Zulfandy Abang Jus, Alvin Isaac, Arthur Unjap Mandi (vice captain), Carlt Robson Nicholas Layong, Christopher Joshua, Clinton Patrick, Damasus Mandi, David Becham Jephari, Derek Tsai, Dilip Sian Daniel, Elvin Wong, Er Embran Mohd Ali, Hairie Temaga, Hilary Singek, Ikhwan Musa Sallih, Isaiah Gramong James Valley, Kevin Arrut Agam and Michael Wenson Tan.

Other players are Mohd Azwan Suhai, Mohd Izzamuddin Yusup, Mohd Julian Melan, Mohd Nursahizad Mahmud, Mohd Razali Habaq, Muhamad Ruzaini Khosim, Muhammad Syafiqiuddin Che Suliman, Ngu Yew Teck, Remy Jeluing, Richard Chu, Richie Laat, Rumpang Bagu, Taufikal Rizal Asnan and Willie Liam.

The two Fijian imports are Sekove Rokovunisei and Iowane Sovatabua Taukeisalili (captain) while Sarawak Rugby Union deputy president Louis Jarau Patrick is the team manager and he is assisted by SRU secretary Abdul Ghafar  Arshad and treasurer Lawrence Tan.

Accompanying the team is physiotherapist Mohd Fahmi Ibrahim.

Eleven teams are participating in the premier national inter-state championship organised by Malaysia Rugby (formerly known as Malaysian Rugby Union).

Sarawak last participated in this championship in 2013 where they lost to Sabah in the qualifying.

Their best achievement was in 1996 when they won the Plate.