The 10th edition of the Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK) Premier 7s promises to be a no-holds-barred explosive tournament as all the major local and foreign teams are primed to do battle for the coveted NJ Ryan trophy.
The championship, to be played between 28th February and 1st March 2020, has witnessed a steady increase of competing teams over the years, especially foreign outfits who are expected to give the local teams a good run for their money.
Recognising the importance of MCKK 7s as a platform to develop promising young rugby talent in the country, Shekhinah PR, Malaysia’s leading sports public relations agency, will once again work hand-in-hand with the organisers in promoting the under-17 championship for the fifth year running.
At a press conference to announce the sponsors for this year’s edition, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shekhinah PR, Christopher Raj, was very open with his thoughts on why he has decided to extend his collaboration with MCKK 7s for yet another year after first getting involved with the championship in 2016.
“As a leading sports public relations company, we at Shekhinah PR believe that sports is the best way to build one’s character while still young,” said Christopher.
. “Rugby is a sport that at first glance gives one the false impression that it’s an unruly game but that could not be farther away from the truth. Rugby, in all honesty, is played with a high level of sportmanship. Hence, it is sometimes refereed to as ‘a barbarian’s sport played by gentlemen.
“The MCKK 7s is now the standard bearer for youth rugby tournaments in Malaysia and my staff and I feel very strongly that it is our responsibility to promote this tournament to the wider public.”
Christoper added: “This is our fifth year sponsoring the MCKK 7s and this being the 10th edition, we anticipate an exciting tournament which will see 24 teams, including three foreign squads, contesting for the coveted NJ Ryan trophy.”
To be played at the hallowed rugby fields of Malay College Kuala Kangsar, among the teams set to challenge for the title are defending champions Sekolah Menengah Sains Hulu Selangor (SEMASHUR), Sekolah Sukan Tunku Mahkota Ismail (SSTMI), SMK Sri Mersing, hosts, MCKK and many other outfits who are geared to give it their all.
For the record, SEMASHUR emerged champions at the previous edition when they beat the hosts 24-10 in the final. Meanwhile, SSTMI have won the title a record four times in 2011, 2012, 2016 and 2017, MCKK (2013), Scots College New Zealand (2014), Hong Kong Sports School (2015) and SMK Sri Mersing in 2018.
