COBRA 10S HISTORY & 2009 TEAM PROFILES

HISTORY OF THE COBRA RUGBY 10S

It is a little known fact that one of the world’s leading 10s tournament, was conceived on the barstools of the local haunt of the Combined Old Boys’ Rugby Association (COBRA). But it was in Kuala Lumpur that the world’s first 10-a side rugby tournament was held in 1967 and was won by the Royal Selangor Club.

Today, the name most inscribed on the trophy is eleven-time winner Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, from the Commonwealth Forces then based in Malaysia and Singapore. The tournament went international in 1992 and as the saying goes …. the rest is history.

From the early days of the tournament has seen a number of rugby legends cross COBRA’s threshold displaying wonderful skills, pace and guile on the field – some of the best rugby seen in Malaysia. The sport’s luminaries, namely Lawrence Delaglio, Australian hooker, and later captain, Phil Kearns, and Maori Olo Brown played on Malaysian soil during the first international version of the 10s. Recent years have seen 7s maestro Waisale Serevi and Samoan Brian “The Chiropractor” Lima as regulars.

Throughout its history, the tournament has always been very competitive with the participation of top teams like Penguins International of England (1993-1994 Champions), New Zealand National Maori Team (1995 Champions), Marist St Joseph of Samoa (1996 and 2004 Champions), Fiji National Team (1997 Champions), Australian Barbarians (2000 Champions), Red Rock of Fiji (2003 Champions), Argentina’s national team – Pumas (2000 finalist) and Ponsonby of New Zealand (2004 finalist). Appearance by other teams such as Mendoza of Argentina and the British Army Rugby Union only added fuel to the highly charged competition.

Entrance to this international sporting spectacle is free. COBRA’s vision of making world-class rugby more accessible to all Malaysians has opened the doors to some of the best rugby action in the region, to all rugby-loving fans.

COBRA 10s PAST CHAMPIONS

YEAR	TEAM
2008	COBRA (MAL)
2007	Canterbury
2006	Penguins International RFC
2005	Marist St. Joseph Rugby Club (SAMOA)
2004	Marist St. Joseph Rugby Club (SAMOA)
2003	RED ROCK (FIJI)
2002	-
2001	-
2000	AUSTRALIAN BARBARIANS (AUSTRALIA)
1999	TYGERBERG (SOUTH AFRICA)
1998	COBRA
1997	FIJI
1996	SAMOA
1995	NEW ZEALAND MAORIS
1994	PENGUINS RFC (UK)
1993	PENGUINS RFC (UK)
1992	RANDWICK (AUSTRALIA)
1991	-
1990	RMAF BLACKHAWKS
1989	FIJI MILITARY FORCES
1988	1st RZNIR
1987	POLIS BERSATU
1986	POLIS BERSATU
1985	BUNNIES RFC
1984	1st RZNIR
1983	1st RZNIR
1982	1st RZNIR
1981	1st RZNIR
1980	1st RZNIR
1979	1st RZNIR
1978	1st RZNIR
1977	SEMBAWANG TIGERS & COBRA (Joint Champions)
1976	1st RZNIR
1975	COBRA 'Muda'
1974	1st RZNIR
1973	1st RZNIR
1972	COBRA 'A'
1971	6tH RAR
1970	1st RAR
1969	1st RAR
1968	COBRA
1967	ROYAL SELANGOR CLUB

TEAM PROFILES OF COMPETING TEAMS

GROUP A

PENGUIN INTERNATIONAL RFC (UK)

The Club was founded in 1959 by the late Tony Mason and Alan Wright, both players for Sidcup RFC, who subsequently became Vice Presidents of Sidcup RFC and Kent County RFU. Penguins is now recognised as the premier touring club in the UK, having played in or against teams from no less than 57 countries. Indeed, they are not only the most traveled rugby club in the world, but the most traveled sports club in the world.

The principal objective of the Club has been to foster - by coaching and playing - the development, goodwill and camaraderie of Rugby Union worldwide. The Club’s coaching and educational programme is organised by the HSBC-Penguin Rugby Coaching Academy. The Club makes its 12^th visit to COBRA 10s and Malaysia.

The Penguins are delighted to be back in Malaysia in a playing capacity following the Coach Education and Asian 5 Nations Coaching support earlier in 2009. In addition to the playing team, two HSBC Penguin Coaching Academy coaches are traveling from Johor Baharu to Kuala Lumpur via various schools.

The Penguins have had another busy year with the annual Oxford and Cambridge University matches and the trip to the Hong Kong 10s in March. On the coaching front the club has had trips to Hong Kong, China, Macau, Jordan, Mongolia, South Africa and Singapore. Later in November the Club has two coaches heading to Dubai to undertake coaching sessions in various schools.

The Penguin team this year has 11 players making their debut at the world famous COBRA 10s and 7 new Penguins in all. The team will be coached by former All Black Frano Botica and former NZ 7s captain Craig Degoldi.

For more information, please visit; www.penguinrugby.com

Best COBRA 10s performance: 1993, 1994 and 2006 Cup Champions

Team: Tony Penn, Nick McLennan, Sean O'Connor, Luke Hamilton, Sam Christie, Jason Hooper, Josh

Sutherland, Ah See Tuala, Reece Robinson, Craig Degoldi, William Whetton, Hua Tamariki,

Nathan Hohaia and Nick Thomson

Coach: Frano Botica / Craig Degoldi Manager: Craig Brown

Liaison Officer: Hang Kek Kang

HSBC Penguin Rugby Academy coaches: Ben Fisher, Gary Henderson, Neil Young, Deano Herewini, Lynn Evans, Lobbo Robinson

SABAH EAGLES

The Sabah Eagles are the cream of Sabah Rugby. Many of the players are either former or current national players. In the squad are also former elite players of the Sabah Academy for Rugby Excellence or other development programmes organized by Sabah Rugby Union or its Affiliates. A few guest players from Fiji complete the line-up.

The team has undergone systematic training in preparation for this year’s COBRA 10s – guided by professional players and coaches from Fiji and Samoa.

Many amongst the team have played a role in Sabah’s first ever victory at the prestigious Agong’s Cup Championships in 2007 and the more recent win at the MRU Super League Cup Tournament in 2009. Needless to say, they are now the flag bearers for Sabah Rugby at the COBRA 10s this year.

With enthusiasm and youthful exuberance they play a brand of rugby that is both exciting and spirited. And most important of all they thoroughly enjoy themselves in the process.

Best COBRA 10s Performance: Debut

Team: Stanie James Manjanau, Ardyanshah bin Mohd Arifin, Ronneh Bin Mamad, Azman bin

Osman, Helbarth bin Jemlit, Sahrin bin Dising, Jonathan V Tan, Esala Nadruku, Nacani

Seniu, Lee Wei Ming, Frankie Joilin, Charles Billy, Mohd Iskandar Raynie, Iskandar bin

Wasli and Iskandar bin Wasli

Coach: Viliame Nadruku Tabanivatu Manager: Jude Rampangejouw

Official: Viliame Veto Tuinivanua

ASAS

ASAS RC is a rugby club comprising of players from all walks of life and spans across a wide range of ages (typically 18 years to 40 years). The club was officially setup in 1999 and officially registered in 2003. The club actively participates in all local tournaments and the occasionally tournaments in neighbouring countries. ASAS was the Selangor Premier League 2008 Champions and placed 4th in the Malaysia Super League 2009.

Team: Timoci Nakocula, Apisai Nabou, Atunaisa Lacadamu Takubu, Mohd Saizul Hafifi Bin

Mohd Noor, Mohd Hazizi Bin Md Abd Sani, Syaiful Basyar Azuan Bin Talib, Ridzwan Bin

Mohammad, Mohd Taufiq Bin Mohd Noor, Mohd Awaliff Bin Che Hassan, Raja Harmaini

Bin Raja Mohammad Anuar, Mahariff Bin Mahali, Noramin Bin Abd Razak, Mohamad Nor

Bin Adol, Khamarul Ashraf bin Arif and Mohd Asri Jafni Bin Zainal

Coach: Kamarulazman Bin Othman

Manager: Mohd Zaki bin Shahran

KUCHING RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB (MAL)

KRFC is this year celebrating its 50^th anniversary. It is the oldest club in Sarawak and one of the oldest in Malaysia. It was set up by a group of expatriates who were working in what was then colonial Sarawak. Prior to this, these expats gathered to play the game at the present St. Thomas’ school field on an irregular basis, when they could get enough players together over a weekend. These expats very soon encouraged the locals to join in the game. At first the locals were mainly from the missionary schools or students who had been to schools and universities abroad. This however soon changed and young men from all areas and schools around Kuching became involved with KRFC. In fact the club constitution which is dated January 1959 states that those eligible to become members and to play rugby is ‘ANYONE who wants to play.’ The word ‘ANYONE’ is written in capital letters and to this day this is adhered to by our club, no matter how skillful or otherwise a player is.

With the formation of the club the next thing on the agenda was to look for a ground to use as a permanent home. One of the prominent local families, the Song family, had a son who was Chairman of the then Kuching Municipal Council, the late Datuk Song Thian Cheok. The late Datuk Song, through his office knew many of the rugby playing expats and kindly consented to allow a family property, the present Song Kheng Hai ground to be used as a rugby field. This field was already being used by local residents in the Padungan area to play football, and so with his kind permission the problem of a permanent home for the fledgling KRFC was solved. Since then the Song family have been closely associated with the club, and the rugby players over the last 50 years have been most grateful for their generosity.

For more info please visit www.kuchingrfc.com

Best COBRA 10s performance: Debut

Team: Ahmad Yusof Syah, Mohd Fadzily Abdul Manan Ibrahim, Mohd Firdaus Ishak, Mohd

Suhaimi Salleh, Mohd Shafiq Marican Ariffin, Mark Jerry Willian, Jashardy Zitra, Awang

Ahmad Zuwairi, Aspa Rahman, Arief Huzir, Maxwell Kenneth, Roger, Mohd Firdaus and

Noel Pang

President: Dick Bentham Coach: Faizal Salim

Manager: Azlan Borhan Liaison Officer: Dun Jaafar

TEAM PROFILE

GROUP B

NS WANDERERS (MAL)

Formed in 1984, NS Wanderers Rugby Club (NSW) celebrates its 25^th anniversary this year. Originally, club was named “Perantau”, as it did not have a home ground. Over time, the name was changed to NS Wanderers Rugby Club (NSWRC) or as it is best known today- NS Wanderers. The club has consistently participated in all local and overseas tournaments and is today a force to be reckoned with in the local rugby scene. Currently, the club which has 150 registered playing and non-playing members, fields’ three teams – NS Wanderers, Perantau and Colts.

For more information, please visit www.nswanderersrc.com

2009 Achievements: Bali 10s Cup Champions, NS Royal 7s Cup Champions, Taiping 10s

Runners-up, Singapore Black Midnite 10s Champions, Jonah Jones Cup

Champions, Borneo 7s Club Cup Champions

Best COBRA 10s performance: 2004 Plate Runners-Up, 2008 Cup Semi-finalists

Team: Seniyasi Matelewana, William Rasileka Naivaluoni Raturibi, Josese Vakatawakoro, Michael

Nabuliwaqa, Benedito Koroi, Eliki Bolaitamana, Joseph Dolcetti, Ehsan Manan, Khairul Mizan

Aluih, Jefri Mustafa, M. Nor Yassin, Faiz Ali, Faeez Alias and Taufiq

Coach: Noor Akmal Mohd Nor Manager: Fahmy Jalil

Physiotherapist: Hamidon Yunos

NORTHLINK COLLEGE (RSA)

The Club Noordelikes (in English Northerns) was established in 1951 and is the strength of South African club rugby - producing many provincial players, as well as Springboks, including Hennie Muller - who is considered one of the greatest South African footballers, captaining the national side, the Springboks in nine tests, and is a member of the International Rugby Hall of Fame. Famous coaches include Gert Small and Francois Bonthuys. Their average age group is 24 and the majority of students playing are studying the Sport Management and Coaching Course at Northlink College. This will be their 7^th appearance in the COBRA 10’s, the first being in 1999 which they won.

Best COBRA 10s performance: 1999 Champions, 2005 Plate Runners-Up and 2007 Bowl Champions

Team: Rynor Becker, Juan Taylor, Calvin Kotze, Jean Rossouw, Louis de Jager, Conrad Marais,

Dewald Jacobs, Hugo Kloppers, Justin Peterson, Henno Kitshoff, Henko Beaurain and

Stephard Botes

Coach: Francois Michael Bonthuys Manager: Johan Visagie

Liaison: Johan Lloyd Doctor: Dr. Louwrens Jakobus Eramus

Liaison Officer: Saiful Bahari Khamis

ROYAL SELANGOR CLUB (RSC) DOG

The Royal Selangor Club, The Dog, is one of Asia's oldest sporting clubs. Founded in 1884 exclusively for the use of the British expatriate community, it is now a truly Malaysian institution.

The Club is still located on its original site adjacent to what is now called Dataran Merdeka in the heart of the old Kuala Lumpur. The mock Tudor facade of the RSC building makes it one of KL's most recognizable and valued architectural sites.

Rugby has been played at the Selangor Club since 1892 and through history; the composition of the rugby team was a reflection of the times. A glance of past Dog teams on the walls of the Long Bar will attest to this. Today, the current crop of RSC players combines talented and enthusiastic Malaysians and some clapped out old white farts demonstrate how much Malaysia has changed since independence.

The Dog is known as "The Home of Malaysian Rugby". Being the first to actively play the sport starting in historical Malaya, it has earned the RSC this sobriquet. Today the RSC also stages the annual Jonah Jones 7s, and with the first one being held in 1962 it's Asia's oldest continuing 7-a-side tournament.

Being part of sports club the Rugby Section of the Royal Selangor club has, and continues to contribute to the development of the sport within Malaysia. Many state, national and internationals have come through the ranks of the club. On top of having two senior teams participating in the Premier League and Division one, it boasts a Colts side (U-19) and a junior rugby programme for children between the ages of 5 and 15, with what it calls Puppies Rugby learning the game every Saturday morning at the club. Recently, it has established a veteran’s side for over 35 year-olds and successful ladies rugby team, which is making it presence felt in regional tournaments. They also were given the honour of representing Malaysia in the Malaysian leg of the iRB 7s Series in Kota Kinabalu earlier this month.

The rugby section also prides itself on being gracious hosts to visiting sides and over its long history, the Club has played host to players and teams from almost all the world's rugby playing nations. Thanks to the Section, when foreigners think of rugby in Malaysia, they invariably think of the Royal Selangor Club.

This reputation is further enhanced by the RSC's love of touring. We tour at least once a year, normally to neighbouring countries and rest of South East Asia. These Tours capture the essence of (amateur) rugby - the sport, the camaraderie, and the inevitable party. No more so than with the Dog on tour.

For more information, visit www.rscrugby.com

Team: Cathal Mc Hugh, Harry Crabb, Jef Hazrul, Hector Cook, Haflil Feisol, James Miller, Adam

Johnson, Raimi Yusof, Edzat Edimir Bahari, Bukhosi Allan Sibanda, Hanafi Mohd Zaki, Shafiq

Asari, Khairul Anuar, Diego Maya, Josh Grahame and Charles Shamu

Coach: Ross Mills Coach/ Captain: Tony Andres

Manager: Michael Lai

TERENGGANU TIGERS (MAL) (Information not available at time of print)

Team:

Coach: Manager:

Liaison Officer: Zulkarnian

TEAM PROFILE

GROUP C

BORNEO EAGLES (MAL)

The SRC Borneo Eagles are the standard-bearers of Sandakan Rugby Club from the Malaysian state of Sabah. They are on 3 weekends of back-to-back tournaments beginning with the Borneo 7s, then the Singapore Cricket Club 7s and now the COBRA 10s.

Although coming from a club that is just 5 years old, the Borneo Eagles have nevertheless proven themselves to be formidable foes at most of the tournaments that they had participated in.

Their more memorable achievements are: Alor Star City International 7s (Champions 2005), 58th Singapore Cricket Club International 7s (Plate Champions 2005), Manila SEA Games International 7s (Gold medallists 2005), Malaysian Rugby Union’s National Inter-Club Championships (Champions 2006), Negeri Sembilan Royal 7s (Champions 2006), HSBC-COBRA 10s (Plate Champions 2006, Cup semifinalist 2007), Jonah Jones 7s 2008 (Cup Champions), Malaysia National Super League Cup (Champions 2009) and just two weeks ago they were the Plate Champions at the Borneo 7s 2009.

They have also posted respectable results at overseas events such as the recent Hong Kong 10s, 2009. “We are well aware of the prestige of this tournament and the strength of the teams involved, but we are determined to go for the Cup,” said their Team Manager KH Tan JP. With that in mind the Borneo Eagles have reinforced their team this year with players from Fiji, Samoa and New Zealand.

Recent Achievements: 2007 Borneo 10s Cup Champions and 2008 Jonah Jones Cup Champions

Best COBRA 10s performance: 2006 Plate Champions, 2007 Cup semi-finalist

Team: Siuola Lemalu, Sherwin Lee Stowers, Galuefa Falamoe (Nalu Tuigamala), Benjamin

Frano Kenny Botica, James Ryan Marshall, Robert Tiaki Malneek, Blair Richard Cook,

Daniel Thomas Hyatt, Alapasa Cordtz, Aporosa Duwailea, Apenisa Vasutoga and

Mussolini Magele

Club President: Dr Vela Tan Coach: Tomasi Cama

Manager: K H Tan Official: Mohamad Nazri K. Hamid

SWANBOURNE NOMADS (AUST)

Best COBRA 10s performance: Debut

Team: James Cullimore, Nathan Cummins, Ben Hales (Western Australian Colts player of the year 2009) Zane Houia, David Kidson, Bernie Kubainski, Kris Martinick, Tukia Muli, Charles Norcross, Hugh Norcross, Joseph Ritchie, Nathan Roberts, James Wheeler and Tristan Winnall

Manager and Coach: Steve McCullough. Coach: Tony Ball

Liaison Officer: Nurul Anuar Zainudin

JLJ DIRAJA (MAL)

Pasukan yang berpusat di Port Dickson,Negeri Sembilan.Terdiri daripada anggota tentera yang berkhidmat didalam Kor Jurutera Letrik dan Jentera.Banyak meyertai kejohanan ragbi di peringkat kelab dan kebangsaan.Kali ketiga dijemput meyertai kejohanan cobra 10's dan akan memberi saingan dan tentangan sengit kepada setiap pasukan lawan.

Team: Hairizwan, Khairul Nizar, Mustapha, Rohimi, Victor, Shafie, Sharul Hafiz, Azuwar, Syed

Zainudin,Nik phahizamzuri,Mohd suwardi,Mohd Aiman,Mohd effendi,mohd Hasanul and

Lailatul Norazli

Coach: Norhisham bin Ibrahim/ Khairizal bin Ali Amat

Manager: Mej A. Tahar bin A. Manan

Liaison Officer: Norhisham

INDIAN INVADERS (INDIA) (Team information not available at print time)

Best COBRA 10s performance: Debut

Team:

Coach: Manager:

Liaison Officer: Faizal

TEAM PROFILE

GROUP D

COBRA (MAL)

Host team - Combined Old Boys Rugby Association (COBRA) was formed in 1967 to encourage young Malaysians to continue playing rugby after they leave school. COBRA is the home of rugby 10s. The club fields three teams namely COBRA Blacks (competitive team), COBRA Stings (development team) and Cobrats (junior team).

Best COBRA 10s Performance: COBRA 10s Cup Champions 2008

2009 Achievements: National League – Champions, National League Cup - Runners-up, Royal NS 7s – Runners-up,

Taiping 10s – Champions, Putrajaya 7s – Champions, Jonah Jones - Runners-up, Singapore

Black 10s - Runners-up and Bali 10s - Runners-up

Team: Isoa Turuva, Jone Wesele, Voniani Korotama, Kini Rasolosolo, Sekove Vuniyayawatora, Jolame Naulutegu

Veidreyaki, Nik Safuan Ismade b. Nik Man, Mohammad Faiz b. Samsukhidir, Mohamad Nazeer b. Mohamed

Nesharah, Mohd Syahir Asyraf b. Rosli, Mohd Amin b. Jamaluddin, Mohd Hafiizh b. Zainal,

Dinesvaran Krishnan, Sean Morrell, Johnny McNicoll and Michael Coman

Coach: Boon Hoon Chee Manager: Syed Ismail Al Ali

ROYAL THAI NAVY (THAILAND)

Royal Thai Navy rugby team is a major force in Thai rugby with recorded successes for the last five years. It is also the winning team amongst the Thai armed forces for seven consecutive years.

Best COBRA 10s Performance: Debut

Team: Lt.Jg. Jittrakorn Supornsirisin, Sub.Lt Thanadaj Jitpawat, Sub.Lt Alongkot
Noosantia, Sub.Lt Nuttapol Chawawisuttikul, Po.0 Dumrongkert Autong, Po.1

Piyasak Sakaew, Po.1 Suwat Mapijarn, Po.1 Chaisak Piromkraipak, Po.1 Vichit

Chiaseema, Po.1 Phairot Sumamon, Po.1 Weera Musemsadao, Po.1 Thanapol

Chombua, Po.1 Narongsak Chankasem, Po.1 Narongrit Putson, Po.1 Rewat

Thongtep, Po.1 Chokdee Dongsonthip, Po.1 Jakapun Sukayat and Po.1 Attawut

Pornwapee

Coach: Lt.Jg. Chaowarin Phuangpradoo / Cpo.1 Sangwon Mapijarn

Manager: Capt. Sampong Puweing

Asst. Mgrs: Capt. Tawatchai Pimmoung/ Cdr. Sakrabhop Prachaksubhanit

ROYAL MALAY REGIMENT (MAL)

Team: Kapt. Azrol Nizam Bin Mohd Jusoh, Kapt. Mohd Syahril Amri Bin Mohd Bakri,

Kapt. Azmin Kama Bin Azmir, Lt Mohd Fairuz Bin Abd Samad, Sjn Zainuddin Bin

Suboh, Kpl Mohd Fuad Bin Abd Mutalib, LKpl Mohd Zulpaizal Bin Abdullah, Kpl

Mohamad Bin Samsudin, LKpl Che Mohd Yusni Bin Che Wahib, LKpl Adnan Bin

Awang, LKpl Az Azizan Bin Ahmad Kalam, LKpl Hafiz Bin Mas’aud, LKpl Zulhairi

Bin D’zulkifli, Pbt Rozazuan Bin Roslan, Pbt Khamarulzaman Bin Borhan, Pbt

Mohd Fauzi Bin Nordan, Pbt Rizalman Bin Mohamed, Pbt Azrol Bin Azmi, Pbt

Dulhairi Bin Derahman and Pbt Abdul Yayup Bin Haji Sitam

Coach: SSjn Mohd Khairi Bin Saudin / Sjn Ismail Bin Mohd Noor

Manager: Mej. Ahmad Kamiluddin Bin Ramli

ALOR STAR BLUES (MAL)

Ditubuhkan pada 2001 bertujuan untuk memberi peluang kepada pemain-pemain disekitar bandar Alor Star untuk meneruskan minat bermain ragbi diperingkat yang lebih tinggi setelah habis belajar di peringkat sekolah ataupun universiti. Semenjak dari itu, Blues telah berjaya menjadi sebuah kelab yang berdaftar dan banyak menyertai kejohanan diperingkat kebangsaan sehingga menjadi antara empat pasukan terbaik dalam liga kebangsaan.

Ini merupakan penyertaan pertama pasukan blues dalam COBRA 10s. Untuk memberi saingan yang hebat kepada pasukan lain, jurulatih Blues iaitu Mohd Romli Saad yang juga bekas pemain dan penolong jurulatih COBRA telah menggabungkan pemain senior dan juga pemain remaja yang berpengalaman untuk memberikan cabaran dan saingan sengit dalam COBRA 10s.

Best COBRA 10s Performance: Debut

Team: Mohd Shafiq Idris, Shahrul Nizam Khosim, Azizul Abdul Aziz, Kamarul Azlan

Razak, Tajol Arifin Razak, Mohd Soleh Abdul Hamid, Mohd Amir Ahmad Tarmizi,

Mohd Razif Jamaluddin, Ahmad Aizuddin Hamzah Abu Bakar, Mohd Syakir Omar,

Zulfahmi Mohammad Rashid, Muhammad Syahir Rosyidi Hj Saad, Ahmad Syukri

Mohd Junus, Azirul Hazran Hasdi and Hafizuddin Baki

Coach: Shamsor Abdullah/ Mohd Romli Saad

Manager: Ahmad Zainol Osman