Defending champion Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Jalan Tiga, also known as the Selangor Rugby Academy (ARAS), is gearing up to defend its title at the 12th edition of the prestigious The Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK) Premier 7’s Rugby Championship in Perak, scheduled from June 28 to 30, 2024.
ARAS is gearing up to challenge three past champions—Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar (MSAB), Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI), and the host, MCKK—in a highly anticipated match-up. The tournament will also feature international contenders from Chinese Taipei, Japan, and Indonesia, expanding its global reach. These additions were officially announced by the organizers on June 11, 2024.
Last year, ARAS secured a commanding victory in the final match of the MCKK Premier 7’s Rugby, defeating the Malaysian Sports School Pahang (SSMP) with a score of 24-0.
Among the 24 teams competing for the coveted NJ Ryan Trophy and the Zaharuddin Alias Best Player Award are Royal Military College (MTD), SMK Victoria Institution (VI) Kuala Lumpur, and Sultan Alam Shah School (SAS) Putrajaya.
The MCKK Premier 7’s Rugby 2024 is proudly sponsored by Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (Pernas), an agency under the Ministry of Finance (MOF Inc.), and overseen by the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP).
“This annual under-18 tournament, now proudly sponsored by Pernas for the first time, exemplifies our dedication to fostering sportsmanship and excellence in youth rugby while broadening the scope and impact of this competition, established in 2011.
Over three days of intense competition at MCKK rugby grounds in the royal town of Kuala Kangsar, we will witness the rise of future rugby stars who embody high sportsmanship and noble values,” the statement highlighted.
In his welcoming address at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, Deputy President of the MCKK Old Boys Association (MCOBA), Datuk Dzulkifly Mohd. Zain, extended his best wishes to the 24 teams participating in the tournament. “I wish all competing teams the best of luck. This is your moment to demonstrate your skill, teamwork, and resolve.
“Remember, each game is more than just winning; it’s an opportunity to foster brotherhood, mutual respect, and to exemplify the true spirit of sportsmanship that rugby stands for. Play passionately, and let your performance reflect the true spirit and essence of this magnificent sport,” he urged.
BOARD OF CHAMPIONS:
2011: Sekolah Sukan Bandar Penawar
2012: Sekolah Sukan Tunku Mahkota Ismail
2013: Maktab Melayu Kuala Kangsar
2014: Scots College New Zealand
2015: Sekolah Sukan Hong Kong
2016: Sekolah Sukan Tunku Mahkota Ismail
2017: Sekolah Sukan Tunku Mahkota Ismail
2018: Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sri Mersing
2019: Sekolah Menengah Sains Hulu Selangor
2020: English College
2021-2022: COVID Break
2023: Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jalan Tiga
