Borneo 7s 2026 to Feature 16 Teams from Eight Countries with Focus on Sustainability

28 March 2026

SANDAKAN: The Borneo 7s international rugby sevens tournament is set to return on 11 and 12 April 2026, bringing together 16 teams from eight countries in both men’s and women’s competitions.

Organised by Eagles Rugby Club, the tournament will once again be held at its home ground in Sandakan, featuring teams from Malaysia, Australia, Belgium, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Eagles Rugby Club president Velayuthan Tan, also known as Vela, said the tournament continues to play a key role in positioning Sandakan on the regional rugby map while providing valuable exposure for local athletes.

He noted that the participation of international teams not only raises the standard of the sport locally but also offers young players the opportunity to compete at a higher level.

“The presence of talent from around the world gives the local community something to look forward to. It also inspires young athletes across Sabah and Malaysia to take up the sport,” he said.

The tournament will feature established teams such as Nationwide Nadi 7s from Australia, Fizzapapa’s Belgium Rugby 7s, and sides representing Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, alongside Malaysian teams including Borneo Eagles, Malaysia Unis and Malaysia 7s. The women’s category will include teams such as Borneo Flyers, Eagles Select from the Philippines and BAC Singapore, with additional teams to be announced.

With participation from Europe, Central Asia, Australia and the ASEAN region, the event is expected to attract rugby enthusiasts and sports tourists, continuing the trend seen in previous editions.

Matches will be played over two days at the Eagles Rugby Club Stadium, showcasing fast-paced rugby sevens action involving some of the strongest club and national teams in the Asia-Pacific region.

Beyond competition, the tournament will continue to promote its sustainability agenda under the banner “The Greenest 7s in the World”. Organisers, in collaboration with the Sabah Forestry Department, local authorities, sponsors and community leaders, will undertake a tree-planting initiative as part of the event’s green legacy programme.

The initiative forms part of the club’s broader environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitment, aimed at promoting environmental conservation alongside the development of rugby in the region.