From Rugby Pitch to Rainforest, Borneo 7s Leaves a Living Legacy in Sandakan

Committee members of Eagles Rugby Club with sponsors from KLK, Loongsyn, IJM, K2 and PKS, alongside representatives from the Sabah Forestry Department and students from SJK (C) Yuk Choi and SMK St Mary Sandakan.

29 March 2026

SANDAKAN: Eagles Rugby Club planted 52 trees, representing 16 native species, at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), Sandakan.

This initiative forms part of the Borneo 7s Green Legacy Programme, carried out in collaboration with the Sabah Forestry Department, event sponsors, selected players, and community leaders.

The species planted include Bornean endemics and ecologically significant fig trees, which are known to attract wildlife such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and hornbills.

Eagles Rugby Club President, Vela Tan, with the Sabah Forestry Department’s Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests, Dr Arthur Chung, and sponsors of the Borneo 7s tournament.

The trees are estimated to absorb over 1.1 tonnes of CO₂ and release more than 5 tonnes of oxygen annually, with a projected carbon capture of over 28 tonnes over a 25-year period.

As part of the tournament’s broader sustainability efforts, three electric vehicles, Proton e.MAS 7, sponsored by Fook Loi, will be used to transport officials and players, helping to minimise carbon emissions.

Proton e.MAS 7 electric vehicles to be used during the tournament.

The Borneo 7s Rugby Tournament 2026 will take place on 10–11 April at Eagles Rugby Club Stadium, Sandakan, featuring 16 teams from eight countries.