The 14th edition of the 2026 Johor Rugby Carnival returns with even greater excitement, as 108 school and club teams from across Malaysia prepare to compete in a tournament that stands as a key event on the national rugby calendar.
The carnival will take place over three days, from 25th to 27th September 2026, at the Johor Rugby Stadium within the Mount Austin Sports Complex, Johor.
Organised by the Johor Rugby Union (JRU) in collaboration with the Johor State Sports Council (MSNJ), the Johor State Education Department (JPNJ), and the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB), the carnival brings together top teams from across the country.
Competition will span four main categories: Boys Under-16, Boys Under-14, Boys Under-11, and Girls Under-16.
This edition also sees the participation of the Tun Hussein Onn State Sports School (THOR) team from Johor, aiming to defend their titles after achieving a double victory in the Boys Under-14 and Boys Under-16 categories during the previous edition.
The participation of high-profile teams from various states, including Sabah and Sarawak, is expected to foster intense competition, thereby showcasing the growth and improved quality of rugby at the grassroots level.
Johor Rugby Union President, Dato’ Hj Mohd Noorazam bin Dato’ Hj Osman, stated that the organisation of the Johor Rugby Carnival, now in its 14th edition, demonstrates the tournament’s growing stature as a vital platform for the development of rugby in the country. “After 14 editions, the Johor Rugby Carnival has established itself as a key event in Malaysia’s rugby calendar. Organising this carnival aligns with the Johor State Government’s aspirations particularly regarding ‘Visit Johor Year 2026’, and supports ongoing efforts to expand the rugby ecosystem within the state.
“By hosting tournaments like this, we provide a broader platform for young players to gain competitive experience, discover new talent, and strengthen rugby development at the grassroots level.
“We hope the Johor Rugby Carnival continues to grow and eventually becomes a renowned event, recognized not only within Malaysia but also on the international rugby calendar,” he said.
The 14th edition of the Johor Rugby Carnival is supported and sponsored by Dialog Group Berhad, JCORP Corporation, Safwa Global Venture Sdn Bhd, Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad, Joland Group, Permodalan Darul Ta’zim, Iskandar Investment Berhad, Faiz Sports, Rugger District, and Arie Sportswear.
Support from various stakeholders including strategic partners, sponsors, government agencies, schools, clubs, and the rugby community, is crucial to ensuring the sustainability and growth of the Johor Rugby Carnival as a high-impact platform for rugby development.
The 14th edition of the Johor Rugby Carnival serves not merely as a competition venue but as a platform to unearth young talent, build networks between schools and clubs, strengthen the rugby community, and popularise the sport across Johor.
With the participation of 108 teams from across Malaysia, including teams from Sabah and Sarawak, the carnival, held from 25th to 27th, 2026 September, at the Johor Rugby Stadium (Mount Austin Sports Complex), promises three days of intense competitiveness and spirited rugby action.
The Johor State Rugby Union is the governing body responsible for the development, management, and strengthening of the sport of rugby in the state of Johor.
Committed to nurturing local talent and elevating the standard of play at both state and national levels, the union continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the rugby ecosystem through development programmes, competitive tournaments, and strategic collaborations with various stakeholders.
