PETALING JAYA, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- Teams from six countries are set to compete in the 53rd edition of the COBRA 10s rugby tournament at Padang Astaka here on Oct 31 and Nov 1.
The two-day tournament, regarded as one of Malaysia's longest-running rugby competitions, will feature 12 elite men's teams representing Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Australia, the United Kingdom, South Africa and Singapore.
This year's edition will also mark the inaugural COBRA 10s Carnival Weekend, bringing together the main international competition and the junior COBRA 10s Mini under one event.
COBRA Rugby Club president Darryll Sinnappa said bringing the senior and junior tournaments together reflected the club's efforts to celebrate the development of rugby at every level, from children discovering the sport to experienced players competing internationally.
“This is a special year for COBRA. By hosting the senior and junior tournaments together, we are celebrating every stage of the game, from children discovering rugby to experienced players competing at an international level.
“We are grateful to our sponsors, partners, teams and volunteers for making this possible, and we warmly invite the public to join us,” he said in a statement today.
Apart from the men's competition, six women's teams and three veterans’ teams are also scheduled to feature in exhibition matches.
Meanwhile, the COBRA 10s Mini is expected to attract approximately 2,000 young boys and girls, including visiting junior teams from Singapore and Sri Lanka, providing a platform for grassroots talent development alongside the international competition.
As part of its grassroots development efforts, TotalEnergies and COBRA will also conduct interactive rugby coaching clinics at the club grounds and selected schools.
The sessions will provide aspiring players with an opportunity to learn technical skills and sportsmanship directly from visiting international players.
-- BERNAMA