Despite the economic slowdown hitting sponsorship, the 40th HSBC-COBRA Rugby 10s, the premier tournament in the local rugby calendar, will go ahead on Nov 14 and 15 in Padang Utara, Petaling Jaya.
According to Bernama, this year's edition will feature 16 teams, including six foreign, playing in a four-group format for the Hui Weng Choon Trophy.
Combined Old Boys' Rugby Association (COBRA) Malaysia president Datuk Krishnan Tan said the prevailing economic situation had affected sponsorship contributions but the Cobra decided to go ahead with the tournament to continue the tradition that started 42 years ago.
"Rugby, like many other sports in the country, needs all the help which can be extended and I applaud HSBC for their generous support," he said after the presentation of the RM100,000 title sponsorship by HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad Monday.
Last year, the COBRA team lifted the Cup after defeating North Harbour of New Zealand 12-5 in the final at the Kelana Jaya Stadium.
The tournament returns to its home ground in Padang Utara which is adjacent to the COBRA clubhouse this year.
In addition to regulars such as the Penguins RFC from United Kingdom and NNK from South Africa, four new foreign teams are coming, namely the Indian national team, Fars RC from Iran, Swanbourne Nomads from Perth and the Royal Thai Navy Team.
The two-day tournament will have each team playing preliminary round matches on the first day and on to a knockout format on the second day.
The winner and second placed teams from each of the four pools will contest in the Cup competition, while, the third and fourth placed teams from each pool will contest the Plate competition.
The losers of the quarterfinals will contest in the Bowl competition.
The fast and open game of rugby 10s, which retains much of the character of the 15s, will be played over 20 minutes, with the exception of the finals, which will be played over 30 minutes.
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