OUR STORY
The Borneo Sevens Rugby Tournament was inaugurated in 2001 when IJM Plantations Sdn. Bhd. (later IJM Plantations Berhad, following its listing on the Main Board of the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange) joined forces with the Sabah Rugby Union (SRU) and local rugby enthusiasts to reinvigorate the game of rugby in Sabah, Malaysia.
In its formative years, the Sandakan Municipal Council elevated the tournament into one of the headline events of the Sandakan Festival, a month-long celebration designed to promote Sandakan as a premier eco-tourism destination. Participation during this period was largely limited to local teams, yet it represented a crucial first step in broadening the reach and aspirations of rugby in Sabah. From these humble beginnings, the tournament steadily gained momentum through the dedication and perseverance of all involved.
Over the years, IJM Plantations Berhad (now KLK Sawit Nusantara Bhd), together with Sandakan Rugby Club (now Eagles Rugby Club Sandakan) and the Sabah Rugby Union, worked tirelessly to transform the event into a flagship rugby tournament at a time when the sport received limited publicity in the state. These efforts have been rewarded with widespread recognition, culminating in the tournament being officially sanctioned by Asia Rugby, the governing body for the sport in the region. The Borneo Sevens is also recognised by Malaysia Rugby and the Sabah Rugby Union, with prize money consistently ranked among the highest offered at rugby tournaments in Malaysia.
The year 2025 marked a major milestone, as the tournament celebrated its 20th Anniversary, reinforcing its status as one of the most enduring and respected rugby events in the region.
STEPPING FORWARD BEYOND OUR SECOND DECADE
Having navigated two challenging yet rewarding decades, the Borneo Sevens now confidently strides into its third decade. The tournament has taken deliberate steps to align more closely with its core values by embedding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles into its planning and delivery. In doing so, Borneo Sevens positions itself as one of Malaysia’s pioneering rugby tournaments championing sustainability, community engagement, and responsible event management.
Media attention has grown significantly at local, national, and international levels. Television, radio, print, and digital platforms have all amplified the tournament’s reach, with digital coverage in 2025 exceeding 6.47 million views. Social media engagement has further propelled the event into the spotlight, generating lively discussion and strong public interest.
Today, the Borneo Sevens stands proudly as one of Malaysia’s premier sporting events and a major fixture on the regional rugby calendar. Its international stature is reflected in the calibre of teams and players who travel to Sabah to compete. In line with this evolution and its strong sustainability ethos, the tournament is aptly known as:
Borneo Sevens – The Greenest Sevens in the World.
THE SEVEN FORMAT
A pivotal decision was made at the 2008 Team Managers’ Meeting to transition from the Tens format to the faster-paced and more dynamic Sevens format. Successfully implemented in 2009, this change redefined the tournament into a ‘Sevens’ event.
Set against the lush backdrop of Borneo’s tropical rainforests, the tournament proudly carries the tagline “The Greenest Sevens in the World”, reflecting both its environment and its commitment to sustainability.
INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION
The tournament took a major leap forward in 2005 with its internationalisation. Teams such as Chinese Taipei, then World Cup Sevens finalists, and a Fijian Selection made their debut appearances, showcasing flair, athleticism, and skill that elevated the tournament’s standard dramatically.
Subsequent editions welcomed a growing list of elite teams from across the globe, including powerhouses from Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa, Australia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Kenya, Belgium, the Middle East, and Asia. Their participation not only raised the quality of competition but also provided invaluable exposure for Sabah’s home-grown players, inspiring growth and excellence at all levels.
Among the many memorable moments: – 2006 saw Fiji’s Davetalevu crowned Cup Champions. – 2009 witnessed Negeri Sembilan Wanderers upsetting favourites Davetalevu in a thrilling final. – 2019 marked the first-ever participation of a men’s team from Russia. – 2024 crowned New Zealand’s Cavaliers as Cup champions. – 2025 delivered a stunning performance by Shaheen 7s (UAE) and Hua Gan Guo Ji (China), who emerged champions in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.
The host club’s touring side, ERC Borneo Eagles, has enjoyed notable success, lifting the Cup multiple times (2004, 2007, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2023), underscoring the strength of local rugby talent reinforced by the experience of international guest players.
With participation continuing to grow year after year, fans can expect the 21st edition in 2026 to deliver rugby of the highest intensity, skill, and excitement.
WOMEN'S SEVENS
The Women’s Sevens competition was first introduced in 2008, with the Thai Barbarians claiming the inaugural title. Although briefly interrupted due to international commitments in 2009, the women’s event was successfully reintroduced in 2017 and has since flourished.
Champions over the years have included teams from Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand/Malaysia combinations, and most recently Hua Gan Guo Ji (China), who claimed the title at the landmark 20th Anniversary edition in 2025. The Women’s Sevens now stands as a vital and exciting pillar of the Borneo Sevens programme.
RUGBY COACHING CLINICS by international teams
A proud tradition of the Borneo Sevens is the organisation of rugby coaching clinics conducted by visiting international teams. Coaches and players from Fiji, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Australia, Japan, South Africa, and Thailand have generously shared their expertise with local schools and communities.
These clinics have inspired countless youngsters, strengthened grassroots development, and reinforced the tournament’s long-term contribution to rugby in Sabah and Malaysia.
DOWNSTREAM BENEFITS
The Borneo Sevens has played a significant role in revitalising rugby across Malaysia, particularly in Sabah. Extensive media coverage, live streaming, referee and coaching courses, and exposure to elite international competition have benefitted players, coaches, officials, and fans alike.
The tournament’s medical and technical teams have consistently set high standards of professionalism, earning praise from participating teams year after year. Courses on rugby-related injuries, officiating, and coaching continue to enhance local capacity and expertise.
CONCLUSION
After more than two decades, the Borneo Sevens continues to enjoy overwhelming public support, with growing attendance and expanding facilities to meet demand. Eagles Rugby Club extends its sincere appreciation to the Government, statutory bodies, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and partners whose unwavering support has made this journey possible.
As the countdown begins for the 21st edition of the Borneo Sevens in 2026, anticipation is building once again. We are confident that the tournament will continue to uphold its tradition of fierce yet fair competition, exemplary sportsmanship, and meaningful community impact—while delivering lasting benefits through sports tourism and sustainable development.
Welcome to Borneo Sevens 2026 – where world-class rugby meets responsibility, culture, and nature.
