Malaysian Rugby History

Rugby was introduced to the British colony of British Malaya/Malaya in the late 19th century. It has had a steady presence since the beginning of the 20th century, when the Malay Cup between Singapore national rugby union team and Malaysia national rugby union team (Malaya) was established, which is one of the oldest rugby competitions in the world.

There is also the Agong's Cup (Piala Agong) which are played between the 13 states in Malaysia, the 3 Federal Territories, Royal Malay Regiment (Army) and Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM).

The first inter-club match was played in 1902 between Singapore Cricket Club and Royal Selangor Club (RSC). RSC has also hosted one of the oldest rugby sevens tournaments in Asia, the Jonah Jones Rugby Sevens Tournament.

The Malaysians have been instrumental in setting up a number of other South Asian competitions, which have helped bolster the game in the region, amongst these were an Asian "round robin" tournament between Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia (Tri-Nation).

However, while the game is popular at school level, economic factors prevent many people playing after they leave. Amongst the other Malaysian innovations has been the game of rugby tens (formed by COBRA)- yet another smaller variant on the usually fifteen a side game. Malaysia also has a Malaysia national rugby union seven team.

HMS Malaya Cup (Agong's Cup)

The major trophy is the "HMS Malaya Cup" which was first presented in 1921 and still is awarded to the winners of the Malay sevens. The original trophy was presented by  the officers and men of a United Kingdom (British). It is name by HMS Malaya Battleship (1915). In honour of this, the competition was renamed the HMS Malaya Cup in 1933. A soccer cup of the same name began at the same time, but has since changed its name to the Malaysia Cup.