KUALA LUMPUR — The national women’s rugby 7s team created history by reaching their first-ever Southeast Asia 7s (SEA 7s) final, stunning defending champions Thailand 17-12 in extra time at the Jurong West Stadium in Singapore today.
Nurin Hannan Abd Hadi was the hero of the semi-final, dancing past five defenders to score the match-winning try with the score tied at 12-12.
Malaysia had earlier booked their spot in the semi-finals as Group B runners-up, bouncing back from a 28-5 loss to Singapore to defeat Indonesia 15-5.
The team, who claimed bronze in last year’s edition, now have a shot at gold — and revenge — as they face hosts Singapore in tomorrow’s final.
“The challenge awaiting us tomorrow is huge. We will be facing the hosts at their stadium, so we will need all our players to be as fresh as they can possibly be,” said national women’s team assistant coach Nazhim Shahruddin.
“Tonight, we will get them to undergo full recovery and prepare them mentally. Hopefully, they will bring home the gold medal.”
Meanwhile, the men’s team are just one step away from defending their SEA 7s crown after powering into the final with dominant wins over Indonesia (31-0) and the Philippines (26-0), finishing as Group A champions.
Nicknamed The Hibiscus, the national squad — led by coach Nik Safuan Ismade Nik Man — will take on Group B champions Thailand in the final at the Singapore National Stadium tomorrow.
“Overall, the group matches were tough and we had to fight hard for victory. It was thanks to our experience and tactics that we managed to overcome Indonesia and the Philippines,” said Nik Safuan in a video shared by Malaysia Rugby (MR).
“Thailand are a regional rugby powerhouse, so we must get our tactics spot-on as well as be physically and mentally ready. I hope the players will not slacken but give their best one more time tomorrow.” — April 4, 2025