Dzulkifly (fourth from left) presenting a jersey to Ahmad Faedzal (third from left). Looking on are (from left) Ahmad Jeoffrery, Mazlan, Amrul Hazarin and Fidzamil.
THE highly anticipated MCKK Premier 7s rugby tournament is set to return from June 28 to 30, 2024, marking its 12th edition.
The annual under-18 rugby 7s tournament between premier and international schools promises a spectacular showcase of young rugby talent from across the globe on the grounds of the historic Malay College Kuala Kangsar in Perak.
This year’s tournament will feature fierce competition with 24 participating schools, including international teams from Japan, Indonesia and Chinese Taipei, which will compete for the coveted NJ Ryan Trophy and the Zaharuddin Alias Best Player Award.
The three-day event will see the return of former champions such as SMK Jalan Tiga (Aras), Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar Johor Bahru, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School and hosts MCKK.
Other potential contenders include the Royal Military College, Victoria Institution Kuala Lumpur and Sultan Alam Shah School Putrajaya.
While the MCKK Premier 7s has inspired young rugby players to showcase their talents for years, fans nationwide have been awaiting the return of the championship, which has become renowned for its competitive spirit and high quality of play.
Last year’s edition saw Aras clinch the championship title on their debut appearance, stunning the crowd with a commanding 24-0 victory over Sekolah Sukan Malaysia Pahang in the final.
Malay College Old Boys Association (MCOBA) deputy president Datuk Dzulkifly Mohd Zain said it was a point of pride for MCKK that the tournament included foreign participation since its inception.
“Our objective remains the same, which is to invigorate rugby at school level as well as foster teamwork and sportsmanship while developing young talent,” he said.
“This has been an excellent platform for young players to showcase their abilities and grow both in their sport and in character,” he added.
At the event launch, MCKK also announced Perbadanan Nasional Bhd (Pernas) as this year’s title sponsor.
Also present at the event were National Sports Institute chief executive officer (CEO) Ahmad Faedzal Md Ramli, MyFranchise CEO Ahmad Jeoffrery Aladib, Pernas franchise development division head Mazlan Ibrahim, MCKK Premier 7s co-chairman Amrul Hazarin Hamidon and MCKK Student Affairs senior assistant Fidzamil Basarudin.
The MCKK Premier 7s tournament was first held in 2011, which was also when the winners were awarded the NJ Ryan Cup.
The cup is named after the last foreign principal who uplifted the school’s rugby team.
Beyond fostering teamwork, the tournament emphasises values of sincerity and honesty among youth, contributing to the holistic development of young athletes.
The MCKK Premier 7s not only highlights the athletic prowess of its participants but also showcases the beauty of Malaysia.
Kuala Kangsar, widely known as the royal town in Perak, will attract both international and local visitors, boosting the local economy and enhancing its tourism sector.
As excitement builds for the MCKK Premier 7s, spectators can look forward to witnessing the skills and determination of local and international rugby players.
This tournament is poised to be a highlight of this year’s sports calendar, celebrating the spirit of rugby and the cultural vibrancy of Kuala Kangsar.
