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SANDAKAN: The Borneo Sevens Rugby Tournament is set to heat up the sporting scene in the district on April 11 and 12, with 16 teams from eight countries competing in the men’s and women’s categories.

The tournament, organised by Eagles Rugby Club, will be held at the club’s official ground, Home of the Eagles, featuring teams from Malaysia, Australia, Belgium, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Eagles Rugby Club president Velayuthan Tan said the 2026 edition not only strengthens Sandakan’s position as a regional rugby hub, but also provides an opportunity for young local athletes to gain experience competing on the international stage.

“The participation of talents from around the world not only raises the standard of local rugby but also exposes local players to higher-level competition and serves as inspiration for the younger generation in Sabah and Malaysia,” he told reporters at a press conference here on Friday.

He said participation from teams across Europe, Central Asia, Australia and the Asean region is expected to attract rugby fans and sports tourists from within and outside the country, generating economic spillover for the local community.

He added that the two-day tournament will feature fast-paced and competitive rugby sevens matches, involving several clubs as well as prominent national teams from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.