Brunei For Asian Rugby Tourney In Taiwan
By Alex How

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Brunei Rugby Football Union (BRFU) Under-19 rugby team will be taking part in the upcoming Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) U-I9s Qualifying Tournament in Kaoshiong, Taiwan, which is scheduled to start from Dec 15.

The BRFU U-19 team, in Division Two, will play their toughest opponents in their opening match, Arabian Gulf, on Dec 18. BRFU U-19 will then play against Guam and. Philippines on Dec 20 and 22 respectively.

"We are expecting some pretty tough matches in the group," said team manager Stuart Alpe. "Only one team will qualify to Division One, and Arabian Gulf were recently relegated to Division Two, so we see that as a tough opponent to beat."

"During training we have pointed out what are their strengths and weaknesses, the boys trained well and are well prepared than last year," added Alpe.

BRFU sent their first U-19 team last year in the 2005 ARFU U-19s Championships in Lahore, Pakistan. With the experience they had last year, the BRFU U-19 team are more ready this year. Some of the players from the Pakistan meet are also selected and break into the team again this year.

Alpe hoped that these players, with the experience they have, would be able to help the others throughout the tournament. "All we ask from the guys are to play to their best, we also want them to play as a team," said Alpe.

"We also have a forward -Ali Abdul Aziz bin Jofri -who played in Welbeck College, England. We hope that his experience will be beneficial to the team."

Alpe is full of confident and hopes that the team will cause some embarrassment to the opponent team. "These players are fearless, they do not give up easily, they are confident of their technique as well," added Alpe.

Coach Mogamat Shafeek Kamalie echoed Alpe's comment that the U-19 have developed and mature throughout the year.

"The team spirit is good," Shafeek added. "Throughout the two weeks training, these players have shown great commitment and discipline." Besides shaping up their skills and technique, the players have also gone through few hours of tactical training programme everyday throughout the two-week training programme.

Alpe also acknowledged the great support from Youth and Sports Department, VT Group, BSM, ARFU, Malaysia Airlines and JJ Tours.

The players departed for the championship yesterday. The players are Abdul Amir bin Matjeneh, Abdul Hafiz bin Awang Mohammad, Ali Abdul Aziz bin Jofri, Augustine Gabriel Wong Kim Fah, Bernard Ambau, Dinlee Apo, Faridzul Daud Ak Dumi, Hj Ahmad Mu'izzuddin Hj Ahmad Mahyuddin, Hj Md Khairul Yadiy bin FIj Awang Damit, Hj Nurul Nizamuddin bin Hj Sulong, Hj Rozaimenizam bin Jainal, Izzul Imaduddin bin Hamzah, Kennedy Anak Enggu, Lawerence Anak Enggu, Mohamad Yusrin bin Mat Yassin, Mohammad Halim bin Mustaffa, Mohammad Haliman bin Duraman, Mohd Sallihen bin Hj Bujang, Muhammad Hijan bin Haji Amran, Muhammad Ziyad bin Hj Ramlee, Remiyagunsaro bin Gaing, Roy Agan Munan, Sergio Nixon, Syarif Ihsan-bin Rasani and Sylvestine Duah.

The officials included coach Zakaria Hj Hamzah, Brian Patrick Killen and Lim Chee Wee. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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