The national Under-20 rugby 7's
squad with national rugby coach
Ben Bourne (standing R). Their
Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU)
Asia Junior 7's Under-20
Tournament has been rescheduled
for September 13-14. Picture:
BT file
The national Under-20 rugby squad's tour to the ARFU (Asian Rugby Football Union) Asia Junior 7's Under-20 Tournament has been confirmed for September 13-14.
The new dates for the Johor Rugby Carnival were only confirmed last Wednesday.
They were originally scheduled to leave on June 19 for the two day tournament on June 20-21, which was disrupted by haze.
Tournament organisers had to push back the dates because they thought it would be the best option for the player's health and safety.
National rugby coach Ben Bourne was only informed of the late decision the night before the squad was to make their way over to Johor.
The Under-20 team, which ranks 7th in the competition, took advantage of the delay by fitting in more training.
Their plan to get back to training is still unconfirmed with Bourne before they take part in their matches contested at Dataran Bandaraya in Johor Baru.
Although they have been given more time to train, vice-captain Muhammad Azizan Hj Zainal Ariffin wasn't that happy about it.
"To be honest though I'm not glad it was postponed, but Bourne told us to keep our heads up and to think of it as our own good," Azizan told The Brunei Times when he first found out about the situation.
"Bourne also told us prevention is a good thing and we wouldn't want to risk our own health.
"With the tournament expected to be after Hari Raya Aidil Fitri around August or September, we will be able to get more training in.
"We will be able to increase our fitness levels and improve our game plan," he added.
The 10 team tournament also includes Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Uzbekistan, China and Laos.
Bourne's team who were placed in Group B with Uzbekistan, China, Laos and Hong Kong, have yet receive any updates on possible changes.
During their previous tour to Johor last year, they lost to Hong Kong 46-0, Uzbekistan 17-5, Chinese Taipei 17-0 and to Thailand 17-5 in their group stages.
They then played in the bowl final against Phillipines, which they lost 31-0.
