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Contents MESSAGES 2 4 6 8
President, Singapore Cricket Club President, Singapore Rugby Union Chairman, SCC Games Control Board Co-Chairman, SCC Rugby 7s Organising Committee
FEATURES
10 Silverware 12 2016 Participating Teams 14 2015 Flashback 18 Behind the Whistle 22 The Singapore Cricket Club
2015 PHOTO GALLERY
11 Winners 16 Action on the Padang 24 Kids & Mini Rugby 27 The Fans 28 Tournament Dinner 30 The Fairer Side of Rugby
TEAM PROFILES
32 33 34
Singapore Cricket Club Daveta (Fiji) England Development (UK) Penguins (UK)
38 Past Winners 39 Merchandise 40 Acknowledgements
ORGANISING COMMITTEE Co-Chairmen Samuel Sharpe Marc Lansonneur Tom Monahan Jon Robinson
Marcom / Friends of 7s Peter Rogers
Treasurer / Ticketing Brian Varley
Food & Beverage Stafford Bagot
Sponsorship Craig Mounsey
Medical / Physio Joy Walter
Infrastructure Paul Crosby Ong
Magazine Shaneet Rai
Teams Raj Sankaran
SCC Rugby Academy Rigmor Berthier Sarah Finley
Events Harresh Krishnan
Match Officials Matthew Oakley, MVO MBE
Volunteers Terrence Noe
General Committee Representative Jonathan Leow
Chief Marshall Brendan Nolan
SCC MANAGEMENT General Manager Alan Jones Sports Janet Ng Wendy Foo Stanley Goh Ken Ang Thipa Mogan Eunicia Tan Rashed Miah Finance Gow Hui Yian Simon Tay Doris Ng F&B & Events Daljeet Singh Chovin Blix Ong Marcom / Sponsorship Admin Yani Saaban
The SCC International Rugby 7s 2016 (69th Edition) magazine is published by SINGAPORE CRICKET CLUB Connaught Drive, Singapore 179681 T: +65 6338 9271 E: scc@scc.org.sg W: www.scc.org.sg www.sccrugbysevens.com
/TheSCC7s
@SCC7s
@SCC7sreporter
MCI (P) 071/10/2016 All information correct at time of print. Magazine printed by Achieve Pack N Print Pte Ltd.
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MESSAGES
Mohan J. Bhojwani President Singapore Cricket Club
Our signature annual rugby tournament is back for another run at the historic Padang. The 69th edition of the Singapore Cricket Club International Rugby 7s Tournament will be held from 4 to 6 November during which members and guests can expect to be wowed by the incredible sporting skills of all participating players. This year Fijian favourite, Daveta is raring to go and geared to return after a one-year hiatus. We also warmly welcome back the Penguins from the UK and Casurina Cougars from Australia among many others. Participation from global development teams with England and France will also make a roaring comeback. Joining them would be the Papua New Guinea. These players have been training with vigour and passion in a bid to lay claim on the coveted Ablitt Cup title. Supporters and players alike can expect an action-packed weekend of world-class rugby action from many top teams around the globe at one of Asia’s premier sports and social clubs. Apart from the sporting spectacular on the field, all are welcome to enjoy a selection of food and beverages available over the weekend. Eat, drink and watch the action unfold before your eyes at the Padang. I would like to express my gratitude to our distinguished sponsors whose support and generosity have aided in the tournament’s fruition this year. The SCC 7s Organising Committee as well as the SCC Management and staff have worked tirelessly and persistently to make possible a fantastic weekend of top-notch rugby action at the Padang. I extend my thanks also to members of the Rugby Section for their invaluable assistance and commitment towards making this tournament a successful one. My best wishes to all teams and players. May the 69th edition of the Singapore Cricket Club International Rugby 7s Tournament be a memorable one!
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MESSAGES
Low Teo Ping President, Singapore Rugby Union Vice President, Singapore National Olympic Council
The Singapore Cricket Club Rugby 7s (SCC 7s) is a long-standing tournament now in its 69th year which is embedded in Singapore rugby culture and is one of the key rugby events on our calendar not to be missed. With the recent success of the Singapore Rugby Sevens and Super Rugby, Singapore is emerging as a rugby hub in Asia and the SCC 7s adds to this with world-class teams and high profile players competing. On behalf of Singapore Rugby Union and the Singapore Rugby community, I would like to thank the organizing committee of the SCC 7s for the opportunity to pen a welcome message. To have not one but two iconic sevens events in Singapore is truly a testament to the passion and dedication all involved have in ensuring that such tournaments continue to flourish and adapt in the changing times. This year has seen Rugby 7s finally make its debut at the Olympic games and I had the honour to see the tournament first hand. History was indeed made in Rio, and I am heartened to see that a few notable names from the Gold Medal winning Fijian Team will also be running on to the Padang. The SCC7s has certainly become an iconic elite club tournament that complements the Singapore 7s played under the closed roof. Both events have signature locations and their own party atmosphere and I would like to see both tournaments flourish, and for the SCC7s to have a great 70th birthday tournament! I would like to thank the SCC 7s for their continued partnership in growing the community in union, in fostering our game in the region and I wish the tournament committee all the best for the weekend.
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MESSAGES
Sher Baljit Singh Chairman, Games Control Board Singapore Cricket Club
I am honoured to welcome all participating players, sponsors and supporters to Singapore Cricket Club’s International Rugby 7s Tournament 2016. This year marks the 69th edition of this sporting event and it is my hope that there will be many more in the years ahead. This signature tournament has become an integral part of the rugby scene in Singapore. With so many outstanding teams gracing the Padang, it is a perfect avenue to fuel the passion for the sport and further develop it on our home ground. Spectators and competitors can expect an actionpacked weekend of world-class rugby action at one of Asia’s premier sports and social clubs. I sincerely thank our sponsors whose invaluable support of our tournament has made it possible for it to progress to greater heights and serve as a competitive training platform for all players. I invite all of you to show your support for the SCC International Rugby 7s and to Singapore rugby. I would also like to thank the organising committee for all the countless hours they put in to organise such a marquee event. I wish everyone an enjoyable weekend as you cheer on your favourite teams and soak in the sporting action at the Padang. Best wishes to all teams!
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MESSAGES
Sam Sharpe Co-Chairman 2016 SCC Rugby 7s Organising Committee
Now in its 69th year, the Singapore Cricket Club Rugby 7s tournament (SCC 7s) is one of the oldest invitational team sports events in Asia and the oldest rugby tournament in Singapore. After months of hard work by the volunteers, sponsors and supporters that make this tournament happen it is with great pleasure that I and my fellow Co-Chairmen welcome you all to three days of top quality 7s at the spiritual home of Singapore rugby, the Padang. The sport of Rugby Union is unique among sports for it inclusivity. It is played by all ages, by men and women, boys and girls, regardless of background. All of them are rugby players and all of them are part of our rugby community. The SCC 7s reflects that ethos. We have some of the best 7s players in the world, the best clubs in the world, the best school teams and the best kids all playing over the next three days on the same hallowed ground. So what’s in store? Well, Penguins are back with all-star line-up and will be looking to avenge their 2015 loss to South Africa. It won’t be an easy road for them though. England is on good form with great deal of expectation behind them following Team GB’s Olympic Silver. Although some of those Olympic Gold medallists in Daveta’s top Fijian line-up may spoil that particular party. Throw France and the others into the mix and it’s pretty much anyone’s game. In the schools’ competition we’ve got Singapore school legends from the Anglo-Chinese Schools, Saint Andrew’s and Raffles as well as United World College, Tanglin Trust School, Dulwich College and Lycee Francais de Singapour all vying for silverware, with newcomers Regent Secondary with a strong side looking to cause an upset. Among the rugby academies, we’ve got our very own SCC Rugby Academy taking on Tanglin Rugby Club, Dragons, Centaurs and Titans in what always prove to be passionate encounters, for parents and players alike. It’s been a real pleasure and a privilege being involved in the organisation of this tournament this year and I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to the dedication and effort put in by everyone on the team. Some special mentions go to my fellow Co-Chairmen – Jonathan Leow, Marc Lansonneur, Tom Monahan and Jon Robinson; Brian Varley, the tournament treasurer, who has truly been a lynch pin in this operation; the SCC General Committee for their loyal support, including President Mohan Bhojwani, Deputy President Zoher Motiwalla and Chairman of the Games Control Board, Sher Baljit Singh; everyone on the SCC 7s Committee; our loyal sponsors and last but not least the members of the SCC Rugby Section for their un-wavering support. Enjoy the weekend everyone!
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SILVERWARE THE ABLITT CUP
The Singapore Cricket Club (SCC) International Rugby Sevens has attained the status of the region’s premier international club tournament. Teams are invited from around the world to play for the prestigious Ablitt Cup. The Ablitt Cup is named after Bernard E. Ablitt who was Convenor of the SCC Rugby Section from 1931-1932. From 1938-1939, he was the President of the SCC. The silver Ablitt Cup was donated by Mrs Katherine Parentis in 1947 for the winners of the first sevena-side tournament organised by the by the SCC Rugby Section. The tournament has since become an annual competition and one of the world’s oldest rugby sevens tournaments.
SITHAWALLA CUP
The Sithawalla Cup is another prestigious Cup given away at the R7s tournament to the Under-19 college competitors. This cup is presented by our former SCC President Mr H. M. Sithawalla.
JOHN CLARK SHIELD
Singapore schools compete for the John Clark Trophy. This is an award donated by friends of the late John Clark, a rugby stalwart and one-time Vice-President of the SCC. John Clark was born in Penang in 1935 and after an education in the UK, returned to life in Asia. Rugby was his passion and some of his happiest days were spent on the Padang in the 1960s where his generous advice was valued by the younger rugby players of the era.
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LEN FOSTER TROPHY
Len Foster was a former President of the Singapore Cricket Club. He was a great proponent of rugby youth development within the SCC. He was also an ex-player for the Club and recognized the importance local youth development as the future for rugby. He was a prime mover in re-igniting the SCC Colts programme within the Rugby Section and also in steering development projects in tandem with the mission of the SCC International Rugby 7s. The Len Foster Cup is presented for the Under-14 category of the Schools & Colleges Tournament and was named in Len’s honour in 2009. This is in celebration for his tireless passion for developing youth development and constantly believing in rugby’s young talents.
2015 WINNERS
Ablitt Cup Winner SARU Sevens Academy (South Africa) Shield Winner France Development Team (France)
Plate Winner PNG InterOil Turagus (Papua New Guinea)
Bowl Winner NS Silverbacks (Australia)
Plate Runner-up Societe Generale SCC (Singapore)
Jug Winner East Arnhem Rugby (Australia)
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PARTICIPATING TEAMS AUSTRALIA Casuarina Cougars East Arnhem Rugby Palmyra Rugby Union Club Sunnybank Tribe 7s FIJI Daveta FRANCE France Development Team Froggies Sevens Rugby Club JAPAN Tamariva Rugby Football Club MALAYSIA Iskandar Raiders NS Wanderers Rugby Club PAPUA NEW GUINEA PNG Interoil Turagus SINGAPORE Singapore Cricket Club Singapore National Team SOUTH AFRICA SARU Sevens Academy UNITED KINGDOM England Academy Penguins International RFC RAF Spitfires Rugby Union
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Photo courtesy of Singapore Cricket Club. Reprinted with permission.
Presidio Capital is a private investment group based in Singapore whose activities in Asia-Pacific markets span two decades. We specialise in the realm of financial and strategic ‘special situations’, investments. We have a wealth of cross industry investment expertise in finance, infrastructure and real estate and have a particular strength in the energy and commodities sectors, with a geographic focus on South East Asia, notably Vietnam and the Philippines. This is Presidio’s twelfth year of being a patron and sponsor for Daveta Rugby, who are making a 24th return visit to what they consider their spiritual ‘home’ tournament as this was where it all started! We will be aiming for a record 7th victory, and Daveta come to the tournament not only as incumbent World Club Sevens champions, but also proudly this year showcasing a number of the Fiji Sevens stars who won the Olympic gold medal (Fiji’s first ever Olympic medal) at Rio 2016 in such a stunning and emphatic fashion! We are very honoured to say that 7 out the 13 players representing Fiji in Rio have represented Daveta in our previous international tours, including here at SCC, and great to have them return!
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SOCIETE GENERALE SCC INTERNATIONAL RUGBY SEVENS, 68TH EDITION Article by Jonathan Leow, Chairman of the 2015 Rugby 7s Organising Committee
After three days of world-class rugby action at the 68th Societe Generale Singapore Cricket Club International Rugby Sevens (SCC 7s), hot favourites SA Sevens Academy from South Africa showed their pedigree as they thrashed a valiant Penguins outfit in the Ablitt Cup final by a score of 36-5. The 2015 edition was blessed with blue skies on the weekend, something that was by far unimaginable a mere 7 days before as thick haze had enveloped Singapore and threatened the 68th Edition of the tournament. The haze had forced the postponement of the highly anticipated and popular Schools and Colleges tournament as well as the Academy tournament. Many weary and tired faces were seen on the committee members in the week leading up, and it was not from the many sleepless nights watching the Rugby World Cup! Many rain dances, finger crossing and praying and shifts in wind patterns played a part in ensuring that the tournament went on, and what a tournament it was. The quality on the pitch matched the quality of the pitch, and all credit is due to the SCC Grounds staff for a great effort in making this happen, considering that just 8 weeks before there were about 30,000 people on the Padang in a not so make shift stadium. We welcomed some new teams this year, and our course old friends that we have not seen in a while. Certainly the debut of the England Academy and Tribe 7s, which was essentially
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an Australian Development team created anticipation all round. Previously represented by the SA Vipers, the return of a South African Academy team, the SARU Sevens Academy, was the biggest drawcard though, and the question on most minds was if they could add a 4th title on the plane back to South Africa. And so Friday night rolled around, and there were some great performances to kick off the tournament. The Singapore National team and the home team, Societe Generale SCC 7s were impressive from the get go. Old friends Casuarina Cougars and Palmyra also looked impressive as the weekend progressed. France Development and another debutant, the PNG Interoil Turagus powered through the knockout
rounds as Day 3 rolled around. A late start was in order on Sunday, after all a Rugby World Cup final was on the previous night, and around 550 people had gathered at the players marquee to watch the final and several sore heads were found on Sunday morning.
RESULTS Ablitt Cup Winner SARU Sevens Academy South Africa
Shield Winner The South Africans suffered a scare in the semi-finals, France Development Team as their sluggish play allowed a resolute Tribe 7s France team from Australia to push them to the brink of defeat, narrowly winning 12-7. There was to be no repeat of Plate Winner that slow start in the final, as they blitzed the Penguins, PNG Interoil Turagus who had earlier upset reigning champions Borneo Papua New Guinea Eagles 21-10 in the semi-finals, right from the kick off. The tournament’s top try scorer, Rosco Speckman Plate Runner-up was the star of the night as he scored two tries Societe Generale SCC in the match to bring his total tally to 10 for the Singapore tournament. He also made some big defensive plays to snuff out any hope of a Penguins comeback. Also Bowl Winner scoring tries for South Africa was captain Kyle Brown NS Silverbacks (1 try), Justin Geduld (2) and 2011 IRB World Sevens Australia Player of the Year Cecil Afrika (1). Penguins captain Will Hafu scored the only try for his team. Jug Winner East Arnhem Rugby In the earlier finals, Australia’s East Arnhem Australia Rugby won the Jug competition as they defeated Tamariva Rugby Football Club from Japan Player of the Tournament in a tight match up with a score of 10-5. NS Rocky Khan Silverbacks from Australia cruised to victory Borneo Eagles (Malaysia) against NS Wanderers from Malaysia by a score of 46-0 to win the Bowl competition. France Player of the Final Development Team walked away with the Mike Te’o Shield as they put one over their Channel rivals Penguins (Australia) England Academy, finishing with a score of 19-10. So in all another great tournament and preparations are already being carried out for the 2016 event as we lead up to the 70th edition of the tournament in 2018.
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Action on the Padang
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Action on the Padang
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BEHIND THE WHISTLE THE TOURNAMENT MATCH OFFICIALS Article by Matt Oakley MVO MBE | Photo courtesy of Philibert Santhanaraj Befitting its reputation as one of the world’s premier international invitational 7s tournaments, the SCC7s attracts quality referees. With the Game now into its 3rd decade of full professionalism and the 7s variation now an Olympic sport, the days when 15-a-side exponents such as Derek Bevan, who refereed the 1991 Rugby World Cup Final, could come and referee the SCC7s are long gone. The 7s game has moved at such a pace, literally, that it is young legs and gas to burn that are now required. Therefore, in recent years we have shifted our focus to inviting 7s specialists from the group of emerging referees on their way to professional careers in the 7s and thereafter 15s. Of our more recent 7s referees alumni, Greg Garner, Luke Pearce, Tim Wigglesworth and J P Doyle can now be seen on TV most weekends refereeing in the English Aviva Premiership, whilst the likes of Jaco Peyper refereed at last year’s Rugby World Cup. Jason Jaftha (South Africa) refereed the Rio Olympic 7s final in Brazil. The SCC is delighted that our tournament helps aspiring referees to achieve such success in their careers. This year we welcome back Simon Moore from Queensland, who refereed our Ablitt Cup Final in 2007 no less. He hasn’t aged and still looks 18. As usual, we welcome a referee each from the UAE and Hong Kong Referee Societies with HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series experience, who are exchange referees for two Singapore-based referees who then receive reciprocal invites to be Assistant Referees at the annual Dubai and Hong Kong rounds of World Series; as well as refereeing matches in the Hong Kong (Football Club) 10s and in the Dubai 7s social tournaments. Our overseas referees are complemented by Singapore Rugby Union/Referee Society Referees; Assistant Referees; In-Goal Touch Judges and Technical Zone Managers. The Singapore referees include Asia Rugby High Performance Panel members Paul MacKay and Charlie Brown and A R’s Talent Identification Squad (TIS) members, Khairul Hilmi, Just Wang and Eunice Tay, fresh from the 2016 Asia Rugby Sevens Series. The Club thanks the SRU/SSRUR as ever for this service, and long may the SCC7s remain the pinnacle event in many young Singapore referees’ annual calendar and a focus for their fitness, conditioning and continuing self-education. Assisting in the referee’s tent and the technical areas once again is former Club Member, John Nuttall, who returns again from the New South Wales Referee Society, along with Kim Short from Western Australia with Palmyra. The SCC7s’ endorsement by A R means that we have A R Panel citing commissioners and a judicial officer, who manage the tournament’s disciplinary processes to meet World Rugby Regulation 17 standards.
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The tournament Match Officials are this year managed by Singapore Referee Society Chairman, Azhar Yusof, assisted by Club Member Douglas Danapal, because our Coordinator of the past 11 years, Club Member Matt Oakley, is at Asia Rugby meetings in the Pacific this weekend in his role as Strategic Development Manager for rugby across Asia with www.asiarugby.com. But be in doubt that Matt will have one eye on what’s happening on the Padang! The SCC7s gives its referees an opportunity to interact with counterparts from major and minor rugby unions and referee top class 7s rugby, plus make new friends for life. We wish all match officials a great weekend. The tournament couldn’t happen without them. Finally, if you are interested in refereeing (or sponsoring our match officials next year!), please feel free to approach Azhar or Douglas in the match officials area. KEEP RUGBY ONSIDE & KEEP RUGBY CLEAN The World Rugby Integrity site helps players and officials to understand their obligations in relation to anti-corruption and betting, inside information and reporting to ensure that we keep rugby onside. The World Rugby Anti-Doping Site promotes a culture of doping free rugby, providing a source of anti-doping information, educational resources and materials to help keep rugby clean. The SCC encourages all players and officials at the tournament to view World Rugby’s websites dedicated to these important issues at: http://integrity.worldrugby.org/ and http://www.keeprugbyclean.worldrugby.org/
The 2015 Tournament Referees
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THE SINGAPORE CRICKET CLUB
Established in 1852, the Singapore Cricket Club is today a premier sports and social club in Asia. It is the second oldest sports club in Singapore, junior by 10 years to the Singapore Sporting Club, now the Singapore Turf Club. The Club stands at the centre of the city’s colonial heart, a public space that has witnessed many of Singapore’s triumphs and defeats, upheavals, independence and the annual National Day Parades on 9 August. Cricket was played on the Padang as early as 1837 but it was not until 1852 that the first meetings were called to discuss the formal establishment of a cricket club.
It was not all cricket on the Padang. Football of both sorts, soccer and rugby, was established in Singapore in the 1880s, while an annual tennis tournament was initiated in 1875. Hockey arrived in 1892, considering that the rules of the game had been established in Britain only in 1849 and the English Hockey Association established only in 1886. Billiards was no doubt played at the Club, but it is seldom mentioned in existing records. Lawn bowls began at the Club in the 1870s and the tournaments were held regularly from 1898. On 15 February 1942, Singapore fell to the Japanese and the Club was closed for the duration of the war.
There have been no fewer than three clubhouse buildings on the Padang, the first erected some time in the 1860s, the second in 1877. The third pavilion, which forms the core of the present Clubhouse building, was built in 1884. It was extended in 1907 and the northern and southern wings that we see today were added in 1922. HUMBLE BEGINNINGS The Club’s beginnings were quite humble, with the first 28 members in 1853 being mostly men working in the British business and mercantile community, usually as clerks or “junior assistants”. By the 1880s membership had grown to almost 400.
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Singapore versus Johor, 1927-1928
In the late 1990s, the SCC International Rugby Sevens attained the status of a top international club tournament. In 1998, the New Zealand Rugby Sevens Commonwealth team featuring rugby legend Jonah Lomu visited the Club and played on the Padang. In the same year, Petone from New Zealand, featuring another Kiwi legend, Tana Umaga, won the Ablitt Cup at the Padang.
SCC Rugby Section Dinner, 1910
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS Between 1959 and the early 1970s, numerous cricket teams of Test or first class standard visited Singapore and graced the Padang. The most notable of these were: • The Australian Test team to India and Pakistan in 1959 • The MCC team to New Zealand in 1961 • Ron Roberts’ Commonwealth XI in 1962 • E.W. Swanton’s Commonwealth XI in 1964 • Joe Lister’s International XI in 1968 • The MCC XI on its East African and East Asian tour in 1970 • The Indian and Pakistan Test teams returning from their tours of Australia in 1968 and 1972 respectively also visited Singapore. Unfortunately, their one-day fixtures were washed out. Seven-a-side rugby teams had competed for the Ablitt Cup since as long ago as the 1940s, but it was not until the 1980s that the SCC Rugby Sevens was expanded to become a truly international competition.
The millennium year saw a complete re-turfing and repair of the Padang field. In 2002, the Club celebrated its 150th anniversary. Among the event highlights that year was a charity golf match attended by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and Mrs Goh and a gala dinner at the Padang on 5 October. A week later, on 12 October 2002, a terrorist bomb in Bali tragically killed eight Club Members who were visiting the island to represent the SCC in the annual Bali International Rugby 10s tournament. On 1 December 2003, a Special General Meeting of Members approved the most extensive Club renovation since 1922. Work was completed on 2 February 2007 and the Club held a dinner to celebrate the renovation with guest of honour Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, who accepted the title of “Visitor”, making him the second recipient of that honorary title after Lee Kuan Yew in 1970. Today, the Club boasts over 5,000 active members, of whom some 3,000 are voting members. There are currently 13 Sports Sections in the Club – Balut, Billiards & Snooker, Bowls, Bridge, Cricket, Darts, Golf, Hockey, Netball, Rugby, Soccer, Squash and Tennis – the largest sections being Tennis, Golf and Squash.
ANNIVERSARIES AND THE FUTURE In 1992, the Club celebrated its 140th anniversary and organised various functions to raise funds for charity as part of the celebrations with the most memorable party held on the Padang on 30 October, which was graced by President and Mrs Wee. On 29 May 1996, the Club passed several landmark resolutions – to embark on a $60-million Clubhouse redevelopment, create a new class of transferable membership and give women full membership for the first time in the history of the Club (offered in November 1997).
Rugby 7s Organising Committee, 1984
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Kids & Mini Rugby
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The Fans
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Tournament Dinner
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THE FAIRER SIDE OF RUGBY
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TEAM PROFILES SINGAPORE CRICKET CLUB Singapore
The SCC 7s squad will be looking to improve on their Plate runner-up finish last year. The squad, under the arms of newly-appointed 7s coach and former SCC and National 7s player, Suhaimi Amran, is rejuvenated with fresh new players and junior sports members who will be playing for the SCC 7s for the first time. The team began their preparations a couple of weeks after winning the National Club 7s series with regular runs and training sessions. Newly-appointed captain, Michael Oliver, will be leading the squad who are raring to do the Black & Gold jersey proud.
Colts U18 Squad
Victorious Tankards XV after grand final win
Talented Academy players
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SCC at the 2015 tournament
TEAM PROFILES DAVETA RUGBY Fiji
From its humble beginnings in 1989 and subsequent emergence on the international club scene in 1992, Daveta Rugby has grown into one of the strongest international club sevens teams in the world. The team is well known for entertaining spectators both on and off the field with their athleticism, power, flare and great sportsmanship that was bred in the team’s homeland in the Fijian Rugby stronghold of the Nadroga province. Daveta has proven to be an extremely successful side winning 7s and 10s tournaments in Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong with a highlight being the recent win at the World Club 7s in Ireland. Daveta is about more than just winning though. It has a long and proud history of providing development opportunities for Fijian players who may otherwise not experience competing against some of the greatest rugby players from around the world. The Daveta development programme employs a holistic approach to development with the view to the develop ‘rounded and grounded’ professional athletes prepared for representation both on and off the field whilst providing opportunities off-field after rugby. The programme has resulted in a large number of players moving on to represent on the international stage in both 7s and 15s or moving into professional contracts in New Zealand, Australia and Europe. 2016 will be Daveta’s 24th year participating at the SCC 7s having held the Ablitt Cup trophy on six previous occasions. Can 2016 be the seventh?
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TEAM PROFILES ENGLAND ACADEMY United Kingdom
The England Sevens programme operates to be the best it can be now and in the future and this season sees the introduction of an academy squad. The majority of players selected for SCC 7s are part of this squad and competition such as this provides them with valuable experience. For some, sevens is an opportunity to develop as part of a rugby journey that may lead back to the XV-a-side game, for others invitational tournaments may be the start of a successful sevens career. This exciting group of young players will be looking to make their mark and build on this tournament with the hope of featuring, along with the senior players, in other international tournaments in the future.
PENGUINS
United Kingdom The Penguins are looking forward to being back in Singapore again and this will be our sixth year in a row, since the two tournament appearances in the late 1990s. The team has a mix of English, Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Island players, with a high profile coaching duo leading the way. We have had great tournaments at SCC and we are looking to go better every year and repeat our 2010 victory. The Penguins continues to take part in competitions – locally and internationally. The Penguin Coaching Academy has also been busy with trips to Hong Kong, Gibraltar, Indonesia and Malaysia. The focus for the academy has been a mixture of coach education and grass roots rugby development. All Penguins are looking forward to the SCC 7s week, catching up with friends, meeting the other teams, and taking in the hospitality that Singapore offer – it will be a great week and we are looking forward to it. A number of Penguin members are in town for the week so there will be lots going on! Thanks to all at the Singapore Cricket Club for the invite and hard work behind the scenes – here’s to another great week of rugby.
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Cr ick a et pro Cl ud FT ub s I C Int pon on er so su na r o ltin tio f t g na he is lR S ug ing by ap Se ore ve ns 20 16
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CRITICAL THINKING AT THE CRITICAL TIME™
Past Winners ABLITT CUP 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1984/85 1983/84 1982/83 1980/81 1979/80 1978/79 1977/78 1977 1976 1974/75 1973/74 1972/73 1971/72 1970/71 1969/70 1968/69 1967/68-95 1966/67 1965/66 1964/65 1963/64 1962/63 1961/62 1961 1960 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952 1951 1950 1949 1948 SHIELD 2015
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SARU Sevens Academy Borneo Eagles Asia-Pacific Dragons Daveta Daveta Penguins SA Vipers SA Vipers SA Vipers Ponsonby Davetalevu British Army UK Durban Harlequins Davetalevu Wellington Centurions Taradale Taradale Petone Taradale NZ Diplomats Davetalevu Davetalevu Randwick RFC Kaitake Samoan Coconuts RFC Kaitake RFC Ponsonby Ponsonby HK Police RSL Dragons Lloyds RC, UK RNZIR Casuarina Cougers RUFC Chuckles “B” Police Sports Assn B Coy IRNZIR Chuckles “A” A Coy IRNZIR C Coy IRNZIR A Coy IRNZIR SP Coy IRNZIR ANZUK C Coy “A” SCC “C” RAF Changi RAF Changi SCC CDO. LT. R.A. HMNZS Blackpool RAF Seletar “B” GHQ Farelf GHQ Farelf RAF Changi RAF Changi RUFC SCC “B” 75th SQDN RNZAF “A” Naval Base “A” SCC “B” SCC “C” SCC “A” Fijians South Johore SCC “B” Fijians “A” RASC RASC “A” SER GHQ
France Development
PLATE 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979
PNG Interoil Turagus Swedish Vikings Western Province Cottlesloe NAPTHA Pyrenees Sunnybank Borneo Eagles Thai Barbarians USA Eagles Palmyra Sandakan Rugby Club Durban Harlequins Impala Huat Old Boys Australian Barbarians Army UK Nomads Morobe Hammerhead Sharks Penguins Royal Thai Police Palmyra Uanelli Hong Kong Football Club Palmyra RFC SAFSA Royal Malaysian Police Sembawang Tigers RMAF Blackhawks Kobe RFC Palmyra RFC Maitland RFC Royal Thai Air Force Kobe Regatta & Athletic Club SAFSA Chuckles A RNZIR Bravo A RNZIR Blacks
BOWL 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988
NS Silverbacks Casuarina Cougars NS Wanderers Swedish Vikings Cottesloe SLRFU 7 Casuarina Cougars Indonesian Barbarians Singapore Barbarians Thai Barbarians Palmyra Pacific C Coast Gave Atlantis Centurions Impala Palmyra Beijing University Hyundai Legends Swedish Vikings Royal Malaysian Police Royal Malaysian Police Les Corsaires RFC SCC Marist RFC RMAF Blackhawks SAFSA Royal Malaysian Police
JUG 2015 2014 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
East Arnhem Rugby Grenoble University Rugby Te Kaha Pirates Southern Lions Singapore Barbarians *no games* SCC Casuarina Cougars Hong Kong Football Club SCC *no games* Hong Kong Football Club Kurumi Bucks
JOHN CLARK TROPHY 2015 *Tournament postponed due to haze* 2014 Tanglin Trust School 2013 Tanglin Trust School 2012 UWCSEA 2011 Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) 2010 Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) 2009 Nhulunbuy High School, Australia 2008 Anglo-Chinese School 2007 Anglo-Chinese School 2006 United World College 2005 St. Andrew’s Secondary School 2004 Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) 2003 Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) 2002 Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) 2001 United World College 2000 Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) 1999 Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) 1998 Raffles Institution 1997 United World College 1996 Greenridge Secondary School 1995 United World College “A” 1994 United World College “A” 1993 United World College 1992 United World College 1991 Raffles Institution 1990 Raffles Institution 1989 St. Andrew’s “A” 1988 St. Andrew’s “A” 1987 St. Andrew’s “A” 1986 St. Andrew’s “A” 1985 St. Andrew’s “A” 1984 Anglo-Chinese School “A” 1983 St. Andrew’s “A” SITHAWALLA CUP 2015 *Tournament postponed due to haze* 2014 Tanglin Trust School 2013 United World College 2012 Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) 2011 Tanglin Trust School 2010 Tanglin Trust School 2009 Tanglin Trust School 2008 Anglo-Chinese Junior College 2007 Anglo-Chinese Junior College 2006 Anglo-Chinese Junior College 2005 Anglo-Chinese Junior College 2004 Anglo-Chinese Junior College 2003 United World College 2002 Anglo-Chinese Junior College “A” 2001 Anglo-Chinese Junior College 2000 Raffles Junior College 1999 United World College 1998 Raffles Junior College “A” 1997 United World College “A” 1996 United World College 1995 United World College 1994 Raffles Junior College 1993 Raffles Junior College 1992 Sekolah Menengah Sains Johore 1991 Sekolah Menengah Sains Johore 1990 Raffles Junior College 1989 Raffles Junior College 1988 St. Andrews Junior College 1987 Raffles Junior College 1986 Raffles Junior College 1985 Raffles Junior College 1984 Raffles Junior College LEN FOSTER TROPHY 2015 *Tournament postponed due to haze* 2014 Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) 2013 Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) 2012 Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) 2011 St. Andrew’s Secondary School
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