History
Rugby was introduced to the British colony of Malaya in the late nineteenth century. It has had a steady presence since the beginning of the 20th century, when the Malay Cup between Singapore national rugby union team and Malaya was established, which is one of the oldest rugby competitions in the world.
There is also the Agong's Cup (Piala Agong) which are played between the 13 states in Malaysia, the 3 Federal Territories, Royal Malay Regiment (Army) and Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM).
The first inter-club match was played in 1902 between Singapore Cricket Club and Royal Selangor Club. Royal Selangor Club has also hosted one of the oldest rugby sevens tournaments in Asia, the Jonah Jones Rugby Sevens Tournament.
The Malaysians have been instrumental in setting up a number of other South Asian competitions, which have helped bolster the game in the region, amongst these were an Asian "round robin" tournament between Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. However, while the game is popular at school level, economic factors prevent many people playing after they leave.
Amongst the other Malaysian innovations has been the game of "tens" - yet another smaller variant on the usually fifteen a side game.
Malaysia also has a national sevens team.
Read more about this topic: Rugby Union In Malaysia
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