SANDAKAN, April 20 (Bernama) -- The 2025 KLK Borneo Sevens concluded on a high note, with both men’s and women’s rugby titles clinched by first-time participants in a thrilling finale at the Eagles Rugby Club here today.
Shaheen 7s from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerged as champions in the men’s category after beating the host team Borneo Eagles, while Hua Gan Guo Ji RC from China defeated Borneo Flyers and claimed the women’s title, both teams making their debut in the prestigious tournament.
Shaheen 7s representative, Sultan Ahli, described their participation as an intense yet rewarding experience, proving they came not just to make up the numbers, but to truly compete.
While Hua Gan Guo Ji RC representative, Wang XinYao, expressed pride in their triumph, describing it as an honor to compete at the venue and with the efforts of teammates securing the championship.
Shaheen 7s came out strong in the second half, scoring early and sealing the win with a decisive try in the final moments, edging the Eagles 24-19, while Hua Gan Guo Ji RC delivered a powerful performance, defeating Borneo Flyers 22-10.
The Sandakan Member of Parliament Vivian Wong presented the prizes to the winners where Shaheen 7s and Hua Gan Guo Ji RC took home the Challenge Trophy and USD5,000 in prize money, while the runners-up Borneo Eagles and Borneo Flyers each received USD2,000.
Meanwhile, organizing chairman and President of Eagles Rugby Club Sandakan Vela Tan praised the performance of the debutant teams, particularly Shaheen 7s.
“This may have been UAE’s first foray into this part of the world, and they have done incredibly well, congratulations to them,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
