SANDAKAN: Titanium Rugby Club (Titanium RC) of Keningau captured the Sandakan Rugby Harapan Cup 2026 title, highlighting a strong debut performance in the fourth edition of the tournament held at the Eagles Rugby Club (ERC) field, on Sunday.
The competition was organised by the Sandakan Parliamentary People’s Service Centre in collaboration with South Rugby Club.
Titanium RC secured the Men’s Open 10 crown after defeating Eagles Rugby Development 14–7 in the final.
The champions received RM5,000, a trophy and medals for their victory.
Eagles Rugby Development finished as runners-up and took home RM3,000, a trophy and medals.
Third place went to Sabah Osca Warriors RC, while XCB Badbois Rugby placed fourth following a 12–0 result.
Sabah Osca Warriors RC received RM1,000, a trophy and medals for their placing.
All participating teams in the category were awarded medals.
Sandakan Member of Parliament Vivian Wong Shir Yee officiated the closing ceremony and presented the prizes.
Also present were Sabah Rugby Union (SRU) President who is also ERC President Datuk Velayuthan Tan, Organising Chairman Mohammad Fazreen Budi and Sandakan Education Office Human Development Unit Chief Ahmad Yussof Mohamad.
Titanium RC player and Keningau District Rugby Association President NC Oneal Veneddey Vencent said the team was delighted with the championship win on their debut appearance.
He said the squad had undergone structured training over the past four years as part of its development programme.
He added that around half of the team comprised players aged between 16 and 20, including some with national-level experience representing Malaysia.
The team plans to send several players to Kelantan and also field representatives for the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Selangor, as well as competitions in Johor.
Vivian said rugby continued to grow in popularity, with participation from teams across various districts in the State.
She added that the tournament was expected to continue in future editions, with hopes of increased participation from women’s teams.
Only three women’s teams competed in this year’s edition of the tournament.
Vivian also thanked Velayuthan and his team for their cooperation and guidance, as well as ERC for its continued efforts in developing rugby, including hosting international-level competitions in Sandakan.
In other results, Pangazou RC won the Plate final, while Trex RC finished as runners-up.
The Most Valuable Player award went to Aswar Nurdin of XCV Badbois Rugby.
Julivans Junior of Pangazou RC emerged as top scorer.
Titanium RC was named Best Team of the tournament.
