KUALA LUMPUR: Helping Police retain the Agong's Cup this year was no doubt an eye-opening experience for former national team captain K. Dinesvaran.
Dinesvaran, better known by his nickname Duke, captained Police to their first Agong's Cup victory in 32-years last year and called time on his playing career at the end of the season.
This year, the 36-year-old remained with Police albeit in a new role as head coach. He guided the Police side to their fifth Agong's Cup victory, beating Johor 43-29 in the final at UiTM Stadium in Shah Alam yesterday.
Terengganu finished third overall after edging Selangor 43-39 in the decider.
"Winning the Agong's Cup as a coach is definitely a new feeling for me," said Dinesvaran yesterday.
"When I was a player, I only had to think about my own problems. But as the head coach now, if I have 40 players, then I have at least 40 problems to think about.
"I am lucky to have received a lot of guidance from Yusli Ramli (about coaching).
"He taught me how to manage the players and make decisions. He also taught me how to control my emotions when speaking to the players.
"He used to coach me as a player and now, he is guiding me on how to coach. It is an honour to work with him."
Yusli, who is a former national coach, served as Dinesvaran's assistant in the Police team this year.
Winning the Agong's Cup as a coach is another feather in the cap for Dinesvaran who is by far the most successful player in Malaysian rugby history and remains an inspirational figure in the sport.
He spent 10 years competing in Japan's top-tier league with Yamaha Jubilo and Hino Red Dolphins before moving to the United States at the start of last year to play for Chicago Hounds in Major League Rugby (MLR). He moved back to Malaysia after the MLR season concluded.
Dinesvaran is confident Police, who have placed greater emphasis on their rugby programme over the past three seasons, have what it takes to clinch a third Agong's Cup victory in a row next year.
"We lost nine civilian players from last year's team, who had gone on to play for other teams in this year's Agong's Cup," said Dinesvaran.
"It was a challenge to replace them, but we were able to secure younger players who are very hungry for success and are eager to learn, which made it easier for us.
"I always remind the players that we are one big family and must always support each other. I always tell them that if mistakes happen, we should never point fingers.
"We practice 'WIN', which means 'what is important next?'. This to help the players focus on what we have to do and avoid distractions.
"If we can keep this group of players together, I believe we can win the Agong's Cup again next year."
Besides rugby coaching, Dinesvaran has also moved into wellness coaching now with his newly setup company, Duke Performance Empire which focuses on helping corporate clients.