KUALA LUMPUR – Harvey Preston will have another shot to prove his worth in the national 15s rugby squad in a friendly match against Singapore at the Johor Rugby Stadium tomorrow.
This match will allow the England-born Preston to stake his claim for a spot in the Malaysia squad at the upcoming 2024 Asia Rugby Championship, set to commence in June.
Rugby 15s head coach Farid Syazwan Abu Bakar clarified that the player’s Malaysian heritage traces back through his maternal grandmother’s lineage, originating from Sarawak.
The 23-year-old player has previously played for the Leicester Lions club in the National League 1 in England as a scrum half.
Preston’s abilities were tested before when the national 15s squad had a meeting with All United Rugby Boys (Aurob) at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (Upsi) last week.
“Harry is a heritage player from England, he sent his CV to Malaysia Rugby.
“After thorough background checks by the Malaysia Rugby management to confirm his Malaysian connection and following discussions with the coaching staff, we collectively decided to allow him to join the national squad.
“He was willing to cover his expenses to fly from the United Kingdom to train with us here,” Farid told Scoop.
In addition to Preston, listed as a heritage player, the national squad will also benefit from including naturalised player Lee Chapman from England.
Chapman, who has resided in Malaysia for over five years, was the sole naturalised player to don the national jersey for Bunga Raya squad during last year’s Asia Rugby Championship campaign.
In the 2022 edition, Malaysia featured three naturalised players born in Fiji, including Etonia Vaqa Saukuru, Timoci Vunimoko, and Vatimio Rebebe.
“Lee is no stranger, having been an expatriate in Malaysia for over five years and actively participating in rugby with the KL Tiger team.
“Recently, he also represented the PDRM team in the Agong Cup,” Farid added. – May 10, 2024