PETALING JAYA: Former national rugby star K. Dinesvaran is now the new coach of the national men’s 15-a-side team.
The Malaysian Rugby Union (MRU) said his extensive experience, leadership and understanding of the modern game will help the national team’s cause.
The 38-year-old’s first assignment with the Bunga Raya 15s squad will be the SEARF Men’s Union Cup in Bangkok from July 12-18.
The squad will camp at UPSI, Tanjung Malim for the centralised training from July 1 -9 before departing for Bangkok.
The selection of players is based on their current performance at the just concluded Agong’s Rugby Cup.
The appointment of Dinesvaran, better known by the nickname “Dugro”, is seen as the beginning of a new phase in efforts to re-energise the national squad on the international stage.
“His experience as a former national and professional player is expected to be an important asset in forming a team that are more competitive, disciplined and able to compete on the international stage,” said the statement.
The Union Cup tournament in Bangkok is expected to bring together the eight best teams from the South-east Asian region, thus becoming an important testing ground for Dinesvaran in improving the team’s position at the regional level.
Dinesvaran has played abroad and represented Malaysia in various major tournaments.
In 2023, became the first Malaysian player to compete in the Major League Rugby (MLR) in the United States, signing a one-year contract with Chicago Hounds.
