Brunei Sevens Tournament

Written by Danial Norjidi

Thursday, 24 September 2009

Bandar Seri Begawan - Following their announcement that Brunei is set to become one of the hosts of the inaugural Asian Rugby Sevens Series from October 24-25, the Brunei Rugby Football Union (BRFU) has provided an update on the progress of the tournament.

According to BRFU Director of International Relations Ainol Razman, there have been quite a few new developments.

First of all, Dato Hamdillah Haji Abdul Wahab, the Deputy Minister of Industry and Primary Resources and Chairman of Brunei Tourism Board, has endorsed the event.According to a letter sent by the Deputy Minister: "In regards to hosting an International Rugby 7-a-side tournament in. Brunei, and now that the Brunei Sevens ,tournament has been sanctioned by both the International Rugby Union (IRB) and the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU), it is my pleasure as chairman of the Brunei Tourism Board to fully endorse this event organised by Brunei Rugby Football Union (BRFU) that will enforce Brunei's image as a wholesome and healthy destination, as well as help us in the promotion of Brunei as a sports tourism destination."

Ainol also revealed that the Brunei Sevens Tournament has the backing of the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB). According to Ainol: "Dato Paduka Timothy Ong from BEDB knows how rugby can promote Brunei as a sports tourism destination." Another interesting revelation from Ainol was that ESPN (Entertainment Sports Programming Network) are set to cover the event.

"We have an agreement with ESPN for them to come down and cover the event, maybe as highlights and for news coverage."

"I have also made an agreement with ESPN to showcase Brunei for three minutes, to promote tourism in Brunei, Ainol added.

"ESPN has around 390 million viewers, which means potentially 390 million people will be watching the event."

Ainol also revealed that Radio Television Brunei (RTB) would be covering the live telecasts, while the BRFU is working with RBA to bring the teams in.

During the meeting, Ainol also emphasised the importance of-getting more sponsors."We still need more sponsorship, and any interested parties who want to work with us as a part of the event should get in contact with us."

"We are offering a price range of anywhere from $500 to $20,000. Anyone who signs up for it will be given airtime, or product placement on ESPN."

"Partners or advertisers work with this will get banners all over town, and we also have the added values."

"These include family values (with a carnival), and business networking -we will have them in a pre-tournament function with VIPs once confirmed, ambassadors and high-commissioners."
"Also included are the promotion of an anti-drugs programme with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), as well as the promotion of Brunei as a tourist destination."

"We hope to make Brunei a stopover point for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand," he added.

"Rugby tourism potential is huge. For example, the Hong Kong 7s tournament in 2007 earned US$137 million over three days."

When asked about the teams involved, Ainol said: "We can only take eight teams but 15 teams have indicated interest.""Brunei is confirmed, while Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Guam, Philippines, Korea, Japan, India, the Arabian Gulf, Sri Lanka, Iran, Cambodia and Laos are all prospective teams," he added.

"The full list of teams will be confirmed by October 5."

When asked about the current status of the Bruneian team, Ainol responded: "We have selected Zakariah Hamzah as coach for the team. This decision is based on league performance, as well as his performance when he coached the Bruneian team in Guam.""Team selection will be decided on Sunday, where 15 will be chosen from 25-30 of the coach's nominated players."

Also, one change that has been made to original arrangements for the tournament is the change of venue to the Belapan Sports Complex.

The Rugby Sevens is a prestigious sport, which has already been successfully integrated into major multi-sport championships, such as the Commonwealth, Asian, Pan American, All African and World Games.

Rugby Sevens is also set to join the 2016 Olympic Games programme, following the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board's recommendation, and the IOC is set to meet in Denmark to vote and make their final decision on whether or not the Rugby Sevens should be an Olympic sport. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin