File photo shows Sarawak Rugby Union president Richard Song (right) hands over the Bro Albinus Cup to SDRU team led by captain Iowane Sovatabua.
SIBU: A record 34 teams have confirmed participation in the 5th Sibu 10-a-side Br Albinus Challenge Cup, making it the premier event under the Sibu Division Rugby Union (SDRU).
Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is expected to officiate the kick off at Stadium Tun Zaidi on Aug 3 at 3pm.
Other guests expected to speak at the opening include SDRU patron Dato Sri Bartholomew Wong and president Jeffery Ting.
SDRU chief coach Michael Ting is all excited over the coming action.
“Rugby is becoming popular with more and more people taking up the sport.
“With the support given by the relevant agencies, I am confident that it will become a premier sport very soon,” he said.
The tournament will feature the Men’s Open, Ladies Open and Boys U-18.
The 20 men’s teams include the Perak Navy Orca and teams from Sabah, Betong, Kuching, Bintulu, Mukah, Miri and host Sibu.
Big names in local rugby like Kuching Rugby Club, Warriors Old Boys and Kuching Wolfpack, Miri’s Flying Nomads and Sibu Swan will be in the thick of the action.
ATM Ladies and Miri’s Letto Rhino will be among the eight women’s teams.
Boy U-18 title favourite SMK Sacred Heart will have to contend with teams from Mukah and Betong.
The prize money will only be disclosed by the patron during the opening ceremony.
On the same night SDRU will host a dinner at RH Hotel to mark the event.
The closing ceremony will be held at 4pm on Aug 4.