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SANDAKAN: Fiji’s Nationwide Nadi 7s emerged champions at the Borneo 7s Rugby Tournament 2026, capping off a determined campaign backed by months of preparation and a long journey to Sabah.

Team coach, Napolioni Naulia said the squad arrived in Sandakan with clear intentions of lifting the trophy.

“We were very confident from the start because we prepared very well for this tournament. It was a long journey from home to Sandakan, so we had to go back with the trophy that was our aim,” he said.

Naulia revealed the team had spent five months competing in Fiji’s domestic sevens circuit before finalising preparations in the weeks leading up to the tournament.

Their journey to Sandakan took approximately 24 hours, travelling from Fiji to Singapore, then Kuala Lumpur, before arriving in Sabah.

Despite it being their first appearance in Malaysia, Naulia expressed satisfaction with the overall experience and confirmed their intention to return.

“This is the first time for our club to participate in Malaysia, and we’ll definitely come back next year. The event was good, the weather is similar to Fiji, and the spectators made it enjoyable,” he added.

He acknowledged that the final was far from easy, describing their opponents as physically strong and well-prepared. Looking ahead, the team is also considering expanding participation.

“We came with a men’s team only. When we return home, we’ll review and see if we can bring a women’s team next year,” he said.

As for the winner of women’s division, Borneo Flyers women’s team delivered an impressive performance, overcoming limited preparation time to secure a hard-fought victory in their latest outing.

The team’s captain, Abby Lockhart expressed pride in the team’s achievement, highlighting the strong bond formed among players despite having only a short time to prepare together.

“We’re super proud of our result. We only came together in such a short time, and the bonds that we’ve created helped us get the result,” she said.

Lockhart credited the team’s success to collective effort, while also acknowledging the support of coaches, management, and fans. The match, however, was far from easy. She noted that Uzbekistan provided a strong challenge throughout the game.

“They made us work for it, but in the end, we stuck together and got the result that we wanted,” she added.

One of the main challenges faced by the team was limited preparation, with players assembling just a week before the competition. Despite this, the squad quickly built chemistry, blending both new and familiar faces.

“We only had about a week to prepare, with teammates flying in. That was a challenge, but we made it work,” Lockhart explained.

The team also navigated minor communication barriers, but continued to grow through shared learning experiences on and off the field. Lockhart also praised the local players, describing them as talented and adaptable.

Meanwhile, Deputy President of Asia Rugby, Terence Khoo praised the tournament as one of the standout rugby events in the region, highlighting its role in developing young talent.

“There are not many competitions in Asia, especially in Southeast Asia, that provide such quality rugby and entertainment. This tournament gives young, developing athletes the opportunity to compete with some of the top players in the world,” he said.

Khoo also pointed to Sandakan’s unique appeal as a host city, describing it as the “greenest sevens in the world” with strong potential to integrate sports tourism.

“The location offers a unique combination of natural beauty and eco-tourism. It’s a fantastic opportunity to combine rugby with Sabah’s environmental attractions, giving visiting teams a memorable experience,” he added.

He further encouraged greater community and business support to help elevate the tournament to new heights.

President of the Eagles Rugby Club and organising chairman of the Borneo 7s Tournament, Velayuthan Tan acknowledged that this year’s participation was slightly lower compared to previous editions, citing rising travel costs and global uncertainties.

“Given the current global situation and increased flight costs, we are grateful to the teams who made the effort to participate. Despite the challenges, the tournament turned out very well,” he said.

Tan emphasised that the Borneo 7s remains focused on youth development rather than commercial or political gains.

“It’s not about showing off , it’s about giving young players the opportunity to compete with the best and improve themselves. This tournament has always been about developing youth and inspiring the next generation,” he said.

He added that the organisers remain committed to growing the tournament further, with plans to elevate it to the next level in the coming years.