Letter Added: October 2006

Stephen Barber (1984-87) a Project Geologist emailed the following copy of an article which appeared in the Jakarta Post on July 10...

Indonesia runner up in Asian Rugby Tourney

Indonesia finished second to host Cambodia during its international Rugby debut at the inaugural Asian Rugby Division 6 Championships in Phnom Penh recently. Competing in the Championships, the country’s 26 man squad downed by eventual winner Cambodia (7-30) in its first match on June 29 before bouncing back to win against Laos (34-12) on June 29 and Brunei Darussalam (32-20) on July 1. All teams played three full IRB-recognised Test Matches in the competition.

A release from the Indonesian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) said the team received great support during their matches played at the Phnom Penh Olympic Stadium. Tour managers said the support for the Indonesia team ‘was immeasurable away from home”. The ambassador also honoured the squad with a formal reception at the Embassy.

“This is just the start of Indonesian Rugby,” said Steve Barber, IRFU vice-president and one of five expatriates in the squad. “It’s an experience I will always cherish as much as it was to earn an International Cap for Indonesia. There’s a great future for Rugby in Indonesia.

Ed Note:
Above is an extract from the full article and we thank Stephen for this story of Rugby history in the making in Indonesia. It was Indonesia’s first ever International Rugby Tour and also the matches played on tour were the first three Rugby Tests ever played by Indonesia. It was great to be a part of Indonesian sporting history.