More than 50 rugby-enthusiastic students got a taste of what it takes to be a professional rugby player as they enjoyed an thrilling Rugby Coaching Clinic led by three rugby legends from the United Kingdom, Australia, and Scotland.
Hosted at The Alice Smith School Kuala Lumpur and held in conjunction with KL Saracens, SM Sains Selangor, Victoria Institution, Cobra RC and KL Tigers, the Clinic is part of the Annual Charity Rugby Dinner Event organised by the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC).
Now in its 12th year, the Dinner has raised more than RM1.5 million for local charities since 2005. This year’s Title Sponsors, HSBC and Preferred Airline Partners British Airways, have been supported by event partners Shangri-La Hotel, Rugbypass.com, Heineken, Expatriate Lifestyle, and VisionKL.
Leading the Clinic alongside the regular coaches were David “Campo” Campese, former Wallabies, one of only five players worldwide to achieve over 100games for their country and once held the world record for the most tries in test matches; Kyran Bracken, former England player with 51 caps and 3 captaincies, and Craig Chalmers who played 60 caps for Scotland and represented the British and Irish Lions on the 1989 Tour.
The juniors, ranging from ages 6 to 13, were given a masterclass on tackling and passing under the trained eyes of the three legends. And while the juniors all took it very seriously, there was a lot of fun all around as well.
Andrew Sill, Managing Director and Country Head of Commercial Banking of HSBC and as well as Chairman of the BMCC said: “HSBC is proud to have been able to support the BMCC Charity Rugby Event this year and to be apart of this global rugby community in coming together to celebrate everything that makes the game special. A sense of community and teamwork underpin great companies and rugby teams, and that is what makes this coaching clinic so special. Young playersand, who knows, future internationals getting the chance to learn from the best in the business and see legends in action. We are delighted to have helped make that happen.”
Brian Pye, VP Sales of Lloyd’s Register Senergy Holdings and also Rugby Committee Member of the BMCC said: “The BMCC Charity Rugby Event is now in its 12th year and keeps going from strength to strength. Since it started, the event’s focus has always been on about reaching out and making a difference. This is the same for the charities we support, or the grassroots rugby we develop. Our Coaching Clinic fits perfectly with this vision, and it is wonderful to connect with the youngsters and see them enjoying the game so much.”
BMCC Board of Director and Chairman of Linatex Weir Minerals Malaysia, Datuk Peter Wentworth added: “This entire event is built on the generosity of our sponsors. Over more than a decade, we have developed a reputation for providing a top-class event that not only delivers in terms of charitable donations, but has been enhanced by the support of leading companies including HSBC and British Airways.”
Following the rugby clinic, the BMCC hosted over 400 guests at a glittering 12th Anniversary Dinner held at Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
