KUCHING: Sports is a beautiful thing, transcending generations and fostering a deep sense of community and tradition.
Rugby, in particular, embodies this spirit, from its origins to its current global popularity, rugby has a unique ability to bring people together, teaching values of teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
As children grow up watching their parents and grandparents play or support their teams, they inherit not just a love for the game but also a sense of belonging.
Rugby encourages camaraderie, forging lifelong friendships and memories on and off the field.
The passing down of skills and knowledge enriches the sport, creating a legacy that continues to inspire future players.
In Sarawak, rugby has become more than just a sport; it’s a cultural phenomenon that unites people from diverse backgrounds. In urban areas and big cities, local clubs and schools nurture young talent, ensuring that the passion for rugby thrives in the hearts of the youth.
However, the situation is different in the interior parts of Sarawak, where the sport still has a long way to go in reaching rural areas.
It is hoped that one day, as young athletes take up the sport, they will carry forward the traditions and values instilled by previous generations, ensuring that the beautiful game of rugby continues to flourish.
Sixty Years of Rugby: A Legacy of Impact and Passion.
The president of the Sarawak Rugby Union (SRU), Richard Song Swee Jin, describes rugby as a “beautiful game”.
“If you look back at the past and present, the rugby players today are professionals -medical doctors, engineers, lawyers, accountants, and consultants.
“From across the entire spectrum of society, this is the fabric of rugby. That is its beauty; you don’t really retire,” he told New Sarawak Tribune when met at the SRU office recently.
Song shares his love for the sport in a way that reflects his deep passion. “In the spirit, in the relationships, in the brotherhood, it is all very strong. They support each other.
“When you call, they will come. There is pride in our legends here in Sarawak – some are overseas, and some have passed on, but we honour them.”
After a brief pause, Song added, “We honour them; their spirit lives on. Now, how do we develop rugby? Rugby is not only played on the field; it extends beyond that.”
Song said that the 60th anniversary of Sarawak Rugby Union (SRU) is a time for the union to reflect the past, the present and to look forward to the future.
“I am now looking to a succession plan for younger people, people who are able to lead, to provide the leadership, able to garner stakeholder support.
“Because at the end of the day, rugby here is still not professional in Malaysia unlike badminont, and tennis.”
The Heart of Rugby: Values, History, and Community
Seated with Song were Zakaria Hamzah, assistant honorary secretary of SRU, and Yusof Shah Dato Mokhsen, vice-president of SRU and president of Kuching Rugby Football Club.
During the conversation, the room exuded an aura of unspoken rugby pride, a legacy that coursed through their veins for generations.
“If you look at the history of the Sarawak Rugby Union, it is rich and vibrant. We were officially registered with the Registrar of Societies Sarawak on Oct 9, 1964. That’s the birthday of the Sarawak Rugby Union.
“Recently, SRU celebrated its 60th anniversary, and we received many messages and well-wishes from past and present stakeholders and friends, even from as far away as Johor.”
Song spoke with gratitude, as if reminiscing about his younger playing days with friends and teammates.
Yet, he stated firmly that the core values of rugby embody beautiful principles.
“You talk about discipline, integrity, passion, respect, adherence to the rules, and solidarity.
“These are fundamental human values, and once you play rugby, you are instilled with these principles from a very young age.”
Song looked at both Zakaria and Yusof Shah with the warmth characteristic of true rugby friendships.
“Rugby players never retire from friendship and fraternity. We have a term called ‘the legends.’ Many senior rugby players who represented Sarawak or Malaysia are still very much involved.
“They may be in their 80s now, but their passion remains strong. They follow our activities closely and stay updated through social media.”
Song shared that he sends New Sarawak Tribune’s news reports to contacts in Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.
“I even share our activities with my counterparts in West Malaysia and Sabah, fostering information exchange to encourage and motivate each other.”
After a thoughtful moment, Song noted, “Rugby players do this for the love of the game-the pure love of the sport.”
Rugby for All: Bridging Communities in Sarawak
As Song elaborated, one key message he stressed was the importance of spreading rugby to the interior areas of Sarawak.
“Hopefully, in the near and distant future, we can reach places like Serian, Sri Aman, Kapit, Saratok, and even Limbang.”
He highlighted the historical significance of past rugby players, especially from indigenous groups like the Lun Bawang, Kelabit, Iban, and Kenyah.
“By nature, due to their lifestyle, they possess incredible physical strength – they are tall and well-built.”
Song highlighted Kelabit legend Bala Ditta and Lun Bawang athlete Ballang Lasung, stating, “We seek individuals like them, not only in rugby but across all sports.”
He expressed confidence in the potential rugby enthusiasts around him to continue on the legacy, stating, “We have great people, like Rashid Salleh and the juniors. In their own right, they are professionals. Their current role is to promote rugby.”
Song said that although they may not compete at a high level, but they play an essential role in advocating for the game which is essential for SRU for the coming years.
“SRU, as the parent body, oversees all sanctions. Every competition must be sanctioned by SRU, and our events are also sanctioned by Malaysia Rugby.
“This is the ecosystem we have-principles and a constitution that lay it out clearly. What does it point to? Discipline,” he stressed.
With enthusiasm, Song asserted that rugby is a clean sport. “We train our players and officials to uphold high moral standards. In rugby, when the umpire flashes a yellow or red card, you cannot challenge that decision.
“Unlike in football, where referees often face disputes after and during the game, leading to physical challenges on the field—this does not happen in rugby.”
He recalled a saying from the past: “Football is a game for gentlemen played by hooligans; rugby is a game for hooligans played by gentlemen.”
“I don’t agree with that anymore; it’s no longer relevant. Rugby is a gentleman’s game, played by gentlemen and ladies,” he said, an invite for everyone in Sarawak to take part in the game.
