KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Police squad will be on a mission to secure their third Agong’s Cup title in a row when the competition kicks off on Sept 6.
Police were a force in Malaysian rugby during the 1980s and early 1990s – winning the Agong’s Cup in 1983, 1985 and 1991 – but endured a barren spell in the 2000s and 2010s before coming back strong to win their first Agong’s Cup title in over 30 years in 2023 and defended it a year later.
Police Rugby secretary, Assistant Superintendent (ASP) Mohamad Hafis Ahamad, said a winning hat-trick of titles on the trot would mean reaffirm their return to the top.
“We achieved a 100 per cent win record en route to the 2023 and 2024 titles and this year we are aiming for a hat-trick,” said Hafis today (Aug 16).
“Winning it for a third time in a row this year would be a bonus, we never take anything for granted.
“Winning it again would be a way for us (team) to repay the faith shown in us by our leadership, from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to the directors.
“Our revival began in 2022 when we reached the Agong’s Cup semi-finals, that was the turning point. We continued to work hard and we won the title in 2023.
“We are confident we can do well this year with our squad being a mix of police and civilian players.”
Hafis disclosed that Police will be bringing in four Fijian imports to strengthen their squad this season.
He expects last year’s runners-up Johor, Terengganu and expatriate-player powered Selangor to be among the contenders.
“So far we have confirmed six current national players in our squad as well as four Fijian players for our squad this year,” said Hafis.
“Johor have been working hard and have appointed Rodney So’oialo as their coach and also have Sonny Bill Williams involved. We know the quality they possess.
“I also expect Selangor, Terengganu and Armed Forces to be among the contenders, however, we really cannot afford to take any team for granted.
“We will look to use our strengths as best as possible while also identifying and rectifying our weaknesses with each game.”
Police have been drawn in Pool A alongside Kedah, Perlis, Selangor and Kelantan.
Johor have been placed in Pool B together with Kuala Lumpur, Armed Forces, Terengganu and Pahang.
Hafis was speaking after the Agong’s Cup team managers meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
