The 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia, marks a special occasion for the Malaysian Sevens team.
This year’s event will be the sixth time sevens has appeared at the Commonwealth Games, with Malaysia set to appear in their fifth instalment.
With just over two weeks to go, Malaysia have announced their squad to compete at the Games after a gruelling training camp assisted by sevens legend DJ Forbes.
“I’ve mainly been working on the micro skills of what they’re doing already and creating drills to help bring them up to speed with what teams on the World Series are doing,” said Forbes.
“Their skill level is a lot higher than they are given credit for and also shows what can be done with some time spent developing them.”
Malaysia are also currently in preparation for the Rugby World Cup qualifiers with Hong Kong and Korea (#ARC2018) , but there is a buzz around the sport of sevens.
Having won gold at last year’s South East Asia Games, the emotion from all involved demonstrated the passion the Malaysian team have for the sport and the Commonwealth Games is another opportunity to compete on the global stage.
“I think the excitement level and passion will be evident, and there is an appetite to test themselves against the best,” added Forbes.
“The Commonwealth Games is crucial to give these nations a taste of the level required to be on the circuit.
“It can also be platform for them to put some things in place as they build towards the Asia Games later in the year which is a huge priority for them. To be involved in such a pinnacle event like the Commonwealth Games is the perfect preparation and exposure for what they will be faced with both on and off the field at the Asia Games.
“But I’m hoping these boys will try some things and get a sense of belief that anything is possible.
Personally for Forbes, one of his fondest memories playing for the All Blacks Sevens was indeed winning gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2010 in Delhi.
And having hung up his playing boots after playing in more sevens tournaments than any other, he now has one eye on coaching. And with Asia a region on the rise, perhaps even there.
“I think it’s pretty obvious with the way rugby is growing all over Asia, and the emphasis countries like Malaysia and China are starting in to sevens is obvious.
“The amount of resources these countries are investing as they try to develop and grow rugby is incredible so the future is an exciting prospect I’m hoping to be involved in.
Malaysia squad for the Commonwealth Games:
1. Zulkiflee bin Azmi Amboo Nehh
2. Muhammad Siddiq Jalil
3. Muhammad Azwan Zuwairi bin Mat Zizi
4. Wan Izzuddin Ismail
5. Mohamad Safwan bin Abdullah
6. Nik Mohd Shahiddan bin Mohd Zain
7. Muhamad Firdaus bin Tarmizi
8. Muhammad Ameer Nasrun bin Zulkeffli
9. Mohamad Khairul Abdillah bin Ramli
10. Muhammad Zulhisham bin Rasli
11. Muhammad Zharif Affandi bin Mohamed Zahib
12. Muhammad Nasharuddin bin Ismail
