PETALING JAYA: It was a touching gesture as SM Sains Hulu Selangor (Semashur) captain Mohd Uwais Irwan dedicated the Super Schools Rugby Premier title to their principal as a retirement gift.
Their school head Siti Mariam Shamsudin's tenure ends this year.
“I dedicate this victory to our principal. I hope she is proud,” said Uwais, whose team will received RM15,000 as prize money.
On July 11, Semashur avenged the ghosts of 2023 final, when they defeated rivals Victoria Institution (VI) 37-33 at the Stadium Merdeka.
The crowd of 12,000 spectators was treated to a spectacle as both teams engaged in an end-to-end battle on the field.
Following a closely contested first half, Semashur delivered a dominant performance in the second half to lead 37-21, with a stellar showing from Mohd Izzuwan Jimmy, who was named the most valuable player in the tournament.
Despite a late comeback attempt by VI, there was insufficient time remaining on the clock to reverse the outcome.
Head coach Mohd Baharudin Mahani, credited the achievement to the collective efforts of the entire school community built over more than two decades.
“We are proud to become the first team to win SSR three times. This achievement is the result of collective effort from everyone, including the teachers at the school.
"I started this team in 2000, and we have sustained it until today. I believe this legacy will never die," said Baharudin.
Meanwhile, Selangor Rugby Academy (Aras) redeemed themselves after their disappointment at the 2024 edition with a 29-19 victory over SMK King Edward VII, to lift their first Super Academy and RM10,000 in prize money.
Aras head coach Mohd Faiz Ali attributed the team’s success to their rigorous training and preparation, which commenced with a pre-season program in Sri Lanka.
"The training in Sri Lanka enabled our players to effectively manage pressure, ultimately leading to this title," said Mohd Faiz.
Aras’ Aisy Hafiy Rosli was named the most valuable player, while his teammates Mohd Aiman Hakimi Abdullah and Mohd Ikhwan Nizam were awarded the best backline and best forward titles, highlighting the team’s dominance at both ends of the field during the tournament.
The historic culmination of the competition, which began with just six teams in 2013, continues its evolution as a leading school rugby development platform with its extensive media coverage and nationwide live broadcasts.
ROLL OF HONOUR
Super Schools Rugby Premier
Champions: SM Sains Hulu Selangor
Runners-up: Victoria Institution
Best Backline: Mohd Uwais Irwan
Best Forward: Mohd Izzul Naufal
Top Try Scorer: Khan Irfan Cheang
Top Point Scorer: Indra Putra Shahrul Nizam
Most Valuable Player (MVP): Mohd Izzuwan Jimmy
Super Academy Rugby
Champions: Akademi Ragbi Selangor
Runners-up: SMK King Edward VII
Best Backline: Mohd Aiman Hakimi Abdullah
Best Forward: Mohd Ikhwan Nizam
Top Try Scorer: Anas Safwan
Top Point Scorer: Saqif Hadri
Most Valuable Player (MVP): Aisy Hafiy Rosli
