PETALING JAYA: Malaysian rugby may not be the hottest around, but the players can find success if they go abroad to learn.
So says national coach Brad Mika, a former All-Blacks player who has also played in the Japan Top League for NTT Communications Shining Arcs and French Top 14 club Brive.
He need not look far to provide examples. He pointed to the likes of Malaysia’s own Dineshwaran Krishnan and Marc Le who he said have added value to the national team after their tour in Japan.
Marc played for Ricoh Black Rams while Dineshwaran, fondly known as Dugro in Japan, still features in the Top League for Hino Red Dolphins.
Both of them were in Malaysia’s victories in the Asia Rugby Championship second and first division from 2015 to 2017, until they were promoted to the primary division of the ARC, which features teams like South Korea and Hong Kong in 2018.
“I was fortunate to have few boys to have played overseas, especially Marc and Dugro. I see there is a lot of talent in this country and they should be exposed to overseas teams,” said Mika, who won three caps with the All-Blacks, New Zealand’s rugby union team.
“We have sent boys to New Zealand and Australia to play in the local leagues and get some exposure. It will only make them better as players as they are put in an environment that is two or three steps higher than they usually are.
“They will learn the physical side of the game well, the buildings of a team environment, and analysing games, which is different than what we have here. They can bring these elements to Malaysia and pass it on to others. “
Another player based overseas is Lawrence Petrus, who plays for the University of Western Australia in the Western Australian League.
Brad remembers how his first few sessions with the national team went when he first arrived in Malaysia five years ago. Obviously, it was not pretty.
Now, he believes the skill set of the players have improved tremendously, and things will only get better in the years to come.
“I remember when we nearly pulled off an upset against Hong Kong last year.
“We lost 24-20, but the boys teared after the match. They believed that they had the talent to beat any team.
“The game looks much easier for the players now, and they are always finding different methods to win.
“As a coach, I always back my team 100%.
“Now, we need time to prepare to go into battle.
“We need to get competitions under our belt and also create a good leadership culture. I would not be surprised if, someday soon, we can pull off an upset in the ARC.”
So says national coach Brad Mika, a former All-Blacks player who has also played in the Japan Top League for NTT Communications Shining Arcs and French Top 14 club Brive.
He need not look far to provide examples. He pointed to the likes of Malaysia’s own Dineshwaran Krishnan and Marc Le who he said have added value to the national team after their tour in Japan.
Marc played for Ricoh Black Rams while Dineshwaran, fondly known as Dugro in Japan, still features in the Top League for Hino Red Dolphins.
Both of them were in Malaysia’s victories in the Asia Rugby Championship second and first division from 2015 to 2017, until they were promoted to the primary division of the ARC, which features teams like South Korea and Hong Kong in 2018.
“I was fortunate to have few boys to have played overseas, especially Marc and Dugro. I see there is a lot of talent in this country and they should be exposed to overseas teams,” said Mika, who won three caps with the All-Blacks, New Zealand’s rugby union team.
“We have sent boys to New Zealand and Australia to play in the local leagues and get some exposure. It will only make them better as players as they are put in an environment that is two or three steps higher than they usually are.
“They will learn the physical side of the game well, the buildings of a team environment, and analysing games, which is different than what we have here. They can bring these elements to Malaysia and pass it on to others. “
Another player based overseas is Lawrence Petrus, who plays for the University of Western Australia in the Western Australian League.
Brad remembers how his first few sessions with the national team went when he first arrived in Malaysia five years ago. Obviously, it was not pretty.
Now, he believes the skill set of the players have improved tremendously, and things will only get better in the years to come.
“I remember when we nearly pulled off an upset against Hong Kong last year.
“We lost 24-20, but the boys teared after the match. They believed that they had the talent to beat any team.
“The game looks much easier for the players now, and they are always finding different methods to win.
“As a coach, I always back my team 100%.
“Now, we need time to prepare to go into battle.
“We need to get competitions under our belt and also create a good leadership culture. I would not be surprised if, someday soon, we can pull off an upset in the ARC.”
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
