Penguin International RFC makes it mark in Malaysia
After an eight-year hiatus, Penguin RFC returned to and won COBRA Tens in Kuala Lumpur, as well as ran a coaching academy for local communities.
The two-day tournament took place at the end of last year and saw players from New Zealand, Australia, Samoa, and Tonga represent Penguin's invitational side.
Once everyone arrived they had a few days to get used to the hot and sticky weather, train, select captains and allow coaches to add last minute changes to the game plan before a weekend of back-to-back matches.
Coached by John McKittrick and Will Helu, the team came out strong on day one, scoring 132 points and only conceding five across three matches, soaring them to the quarter final. Day two was a closer contest but wins in the quarter and semi-final saw Penguin RFC advance to the final where they beat Casuarina Cougars 19-10, claiming their seventh COBRA Tens title.
Pele Cowley, Penguin captain, said, "To be able to join as a player and lead a great bunch of young men is definitely one for the memory books and a great privilege. I enjoyed the off field experiences Malaysia had to offer but also working hard for each other over a short campaign and doing what we love, play footy! Penguins allowed me to make some great friendships and memories for a lifetime."
James Fiebig, vice captain, added, "Kuala Lumpur was my second trip with the Penguins and every trip has been a blast. Everyone involved are great guys and always make it a super fun week away. The COBRA Tens was a really well run event and definitely one I would go back to again. Really enjoyed my time with the lads and the Penguin Rugby yet again."
Penguin RFC went above and beyond while in Kuala Lumpur, running their Penguin Coaching Academy alongside the tournament for locals aged 8-16. The programme, run by three Penguin coaches from New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong, included skills, game play, ball work, decision-making, ball placement and tackling.
Participating schools and clubs included Sri KDU International School, Cobrats U14s, 12s and 9s, Abdul Samad School and the Victoria Institute.
Nick McCamley, Penguin coach, said, "My recent rugby coaching trip to Malaysia was an incredibly rewarding and refreshing experience. Over the course of the week I had the priviledge of working with more than 500 children, ranging from beginners to more experienced players. The passion and enthusiasm displayed by the kids were truly inspiring and it was clear that rugby is rapidly growing in popularity."
"One of the most striking aspects of the trip was the role rugby plays in shaping young lives. Parents are increasingly recognising the sport's ability to instil important values such as teamwork, discipline, resilience and respect. Through rugby children learn not only athletic skills but life lessons that help them develop both on and off the field. I look forward to seeing how rugby continues to grow and thrive in Malaysia in the years to come."
Cowley added. "I think it's unreal giving back to locals and continuing to grow the game all over the world. Seeing how happy not just kids but adults are when learning a new sport or skill is awesome and long may it continue. There is so much talent out there and kids are finding their feet in the game it will hopefully create opportunities for them and their families."
