KUALA LUMPUR: Rugby, a sport once seen as a niche, is gaining serious traction among children and teenagers in Malaysia.
KL Saracens Rugby Club, with its rich history and dedication to developing young talent, has seen a surge of interest from both boys and girls.
At a recent rugby clinic in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), players and club leaders shared their excitement for the sport and the community it fosters.
For Keshaana, a 20-year-old player from KL Saracens, rugby is more than just a game — it's a family tradition.
"I started playing when I was nine. My dad coached my brother, so I thought, why not join too?"
While her brother has since moved on from the sport, Keshaana's passion remains strong.
"People often say rugby is too rough for girls, but I love it. The game challenges me, and it's rewarding to see more girls getting involved now," she said.
Keshaana's advice to young girls considering rugby is simple: "Don't be afraid. It's a lot of fun, and you'll make great friends. Just go for it."
Meanwhile, Maria Ariana, 10 years old, started playing at age seven after watching her older brother compete.
Despite being one of the younger players, she speaks with the confidence of a seasoned athlete.
"Today, we did passing drills and played a few games. It's fun learning from the PDRM coaches.
"Rugby is so entertaining, especially when we play matches like the KL Highland tournament. Last year, we finished third."
Even after suffering a minor injury during one of her games, Maria remains undeterred.
"I got stepped on after a tackle once, but I'm okay now. It's all part of the game."
For Adib Shahman, a 15-year-old member of KL Saracens' Under-16 team, rugby offers a unique thrill.
He's only been playing for two years, but the camaraderie and competition have quickly hooked him.
"A friend introduced me to rugby, and after my first training, I knew I wanted to continue. It's an intense sport, but I love fitness and teamwork," he said.
Like many of his peers, Adib dreams of joining bigger clubs and perhaps even playing rugby professionally one day.
Founded in the 1990s, the club has grown from a small team to a global partner of the Saracens Rugby Club in the UK.
Club president Abdul Khaium Khan said they had always upheld its philosophy of "rugby for all," ensuring that every child who wants to play gets the chance.
"Our goal has always been to develop talent," he told the New Straits Times during the programme at the Jalan Raja Muda Aziz Stadium.
We start with kids as young as seven, and by the time they're ready to move on to state or university-level teams, they've had top-notch training.
With over 400 young players currently training under KL Saracens, the club's success extends beyond the field.
"Our biggest achievement is building this large rugby community.
"We've also won several tournaments recently, including the Junior Rugby Championship, and many of our players have participated in international matches."
The clinic with PDRM not only offered young players new skills but also brought together coaches from both sides to learn from each other.
Khaium hopes that similar collaborations will continue to strengthen the rugby community in Malaysia.
"We're always open to partnerships. Rugby is about teamwork, both on and off the field.
"Whether it's through funding, training, or opportunities to play in more tournaments, we're committed to growing the sport," he said.