KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will face a huge challenge in next month’s Under-19 Asian Rugby Championship (ARC) Division One competition in the Philippines following a format chance that will see them play top teams.
Malaysia, South Korea, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Philippines are in Division One.
Malaysia Rugby secretary Jamaluddin Salim, however, is confident that the national team will make an immediate return to ARC’s Top Division.
"We initially thought we would be facing Thailand and Singapore in Division One but there was a format change recently where the number of teams in the Top Division was reduced,” said Jamaluddin.
"The Top Division is now down to two teams who will play home and away. There were also withdrawals for the Division One competition.
"Our opponents in Division One are good and it will be tough to beat them. However, we will try to win the competition for a promotion spot.
"We have a pool of 45 players who have undergone comprehensive training. All we need to do is win two games."
The team will play UAE on Dec 13 while Korea take on the Philippines on the same day. The winners will then face off in the final four days later.
Keywords: rugby, Asian Rugby Championship, Malaysia Rugby, Jamaluddin Salim