PETALING JAYA – For the first time ever, the Combined Old Boys Rugby Association (Cobra) will organise the women’s competition when the 50th Cobra 10s takes place this weekend.
Tournament Organising Committee Chairman Lt Col (R) Tommy Pereira said the decision was made to hold both competitions together because this will be the championship’s golden jubilee.
Previously, the women’s and men’s senior competition were held separately, but this weekend they will be held simultaneously.
“We want to promote rugby to women, and we are lucky this year to have four teams participating. Two from Singapore and two from Malaysia, including Cobra’s ladies’ team.
“Recently, our national women’s team did well in a competition at the Asian level, and many of them are from Cobra,” he said, referring to the sixth-place finish at the Seven Series Asian Rugby Championship held in Bangkok last month.
“We also hold a grassroots program for children from five years old until 16 every Sunday at Padang Astaka.
“We have about 500 children participating, and approximately 30% of them are girls,” added Tommy after the press conference to announce this year’s tournament.
This year’s competition will be held from November 11 to 12 (Saturday and Sunday) at Padang Astaka and will feature a total of 13 teams competing for the championship trophy.
“In previous years, we had offered prize money, but due to financial constraints, we could not do so this year.
“So, for the teams who still participate even though there is no prize money, they are doing it to support this tournament and to celebrate our golden jubilee together,” said Pereira.
For the men’s competition, the teams that will participate are Cobra, Casuarina Cougars (Australia), Daveta Rugby (Fiji), Global Lions, Pakuranga United Rugby Club, Palmerston North Boys’ High School (New Zealand), NTK, West Coast Sharks (South Africa), Port Moresby Harlequins (Papua New Guinea).
For the women’s competition, Cobra Venom, Dingoes RC (Malaysia), Bedok Kings, Wolves RFC (Singapore). – November 7, 2023