KUALA LUMPUR: The national squad will have to wait until later this year to know whether they will be relegated from the Asia Rugby Championship (ARC).
Malaysia finished last in the three-nation competition after losing to South Korea (27-3) last week and defending champions Hong Kong (88-9) yesterday.
Malaysia Rugby (MR) disclosed that there was still a chance the Bunga Raya squad could remain in ARC, which is the Asian top-tier division, next year.
The scenario, however, is complicated.
If the Asian Division One (second-tier) competition is held this year, Malaysia will have to play the winners in a playoff, which will either be held in December or January next year. The winner of the playoff will compete in ARC next season.
The status of the Division One competition — comprised of Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan and the Philippines — this year is uncertain at the moment. A final decision on whether it will be held or not is expected by month end.
If the Division One competition is not held this year, Malaysia's fate will depend on Japan's performance at the Rugby World Cup in September.
If Japan achieve a top-eight finish at the World Cup, Malaysia will remain in ARC. If Japan finish lower than eighth, they will return to playing in ARC next season and Malaysia will thus be demoted to Division One.
National 15s head coach Farid Syazwan Abu Bakar said his team still had much room for improvement.
Only one naturalised player, Lee Chapman from England, was included in the ARC squad this year. Chapman was, however, unavailable for the game against Hong Kong due to a fever.
"Yesterday's result (against Hong Kong) was not what we were hoping for," said Farid today.
"We have to accept the fact that Hong Kong were just the better side. They have an advantage in terms of physical strength and speed.
"But the (other) coaches and I are still proud of our players because they never once gave up and fought until the final whistle against both these Asian giants (South Korea and Hong Kong).
"The tournament may be over but our journey continues. There is still a lot we need to improve on to allow us to become more competitive at the highest level in Asia."
Farid, who was appointed in May, has been given a two-year contract. He is assisted by former internationals Nazeer Nesharah and Nik Safuan Ismade Nik Man.