Work together with SSTMI, says ex-national rugby coach

KUALA LUMPUR: The disunity in rugby is halting the progress of the sport.

Former national coach Wan Ibrahim Wan Chik said those in the fraternity need to work together if the sport is to follow up its junior success at the senior level.

Wan Ibrahim said the national junior squad that recently won the Asia Under-18 Championship in Johor need to have the proper guidance going forward.

He pointed out that the team’s management must work together with the Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI).

Only one current and one former SSTMI player played for Malaysia in Johor Bahru. The majority of players in the team are under the Malaysia Rugby’s National Rugby Development Programme (NRDP).

It was the first time Malaysia had won a major junior competition since Wan Ibrahim guided the country to back-to-back wins at the Asia Under-20 Championships in 2011 and 2012.

"At the moment, there is a lack of cooperation between the Under-18 team management and SSTMI which is not how things should be," said Wan Ibrahim.

"Both parties should work together as this would allow for a bigger pool of players to be selected and would also see stiffer competition for places in the team among the players."

Wan Ibrahim stressed that having the best players in the team under a more comprehensive training programme is important going forward.

"This (Under-18) is a good team but you have to remember that the standard of competition is only going to get tougher as they move up in age groups," added Wan Ibrahim.

"In a few years, these players will go on to represent Malaysia in senior competitions.

"Training in phases may work now but it is important they have a more comprehensive programme going forward to ensure they are in peak condition to face tougher opponents,” he added.