SANDAKAN: Home favourites Borneo Flyers and Fiji’s Nationwide Nadi 7s emerged champions as the Borneo 7s 2026 concluded in thrilling fashion at Eagles Rugby Club Stadium, drawing a packed crowd and showcasing top-tier international rugby.
The Borneo Flyers delivered a flawless campaign in the women’s division, sealing the title with a 19-5 victory over Uzbekistan in the final.
Unbeaten throughout the tournament, the hosts dominated both the group and knockout stages to firmly establish themselves as the standout side.
Louisa Tubailagi once again proved instrumental, combining pace and power with clinical finishing to lead the Flyers’ charge.
“This is a proud moment for the Flyers and for Sandakan. Winning at home in front of our supporters makes it even more special,” said Eagles Rugby Club President Velayuthan Tan.
In the men’s competition, Nationwide Nadi 7s were in a class of their own, overpowering Kazakhstan 38-5 in the final to complete an unbeaten run across all stages of the tournament.
Fiji international Suluka Tunaka starred throughout, dazzling fans with his explosive speed and offloading ability, underlining Nadi’s dominance over the two-day event.
Kazakhstan, despite falling short in the final, impressed with a strong run that included three pool victories and a commanding semi-final performance.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s BR7s Development Squad provided one of the tournament’s most inspiring stories by clinching the Men’s Plate title. The young side bounced back from a heavy opening defeat to defeat Fizzpapa Belgium Rugby 7s 21-10 in the final.
Their turnaround included decisive wins over Uzbekistan and DKI Jakarta, highlighting the squad’s resilience and growing potential on the international stage.
Sabah’s Leobrenwee Ferin emerged as a key figure in the Plate campaign, delivering standout performances that underscored the depth of local rugby talent.
“The BR7s story reflects what this tournament stands for developing young players and building the future of Malaysian rugby,” Velayuthan added.
The 2026 edition featured 14 teams from eight countries and reached a wider audience through live broadcasts on social media and Astro Sports Plus.
Branded as “The Greenest 7s in the World,” the tournament continues to blend elite competition with a strong focus on sustainability, youth development and community engagement, further cementing its status as one of Asia’s premier rugby events.
