The Johor rugby squad has strengthened its preparations ahead of the 2025 Agong’s Cup when it announced the appointment of former All Blacks star from New Zealand, Rodney So’oialo, as the team’s new coach.
According to Johor Rugby Union (JRU) President, Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman, the former coach of the Bunga Raya 15s national squad, was brought in to lead the mission of bringing the prestigious championship back to Johor.
“With So’oialo’s international reputation and extensive experience in the rugby arena, his appointment is seen as a strategic move by JRU.
“Our goal is to bring a more aggressive approach in addition to making early preparations as a sign of the team’s determination to chase the title this season.
“After all, early preparations are seen as important so that the team is truly prepared to face the tougher challenges this season,” he said.
Mohd Noorazam said this at the Import Player Contract Signing Ceremony at the Grand Paragon Hotel.
Also present were the Director of the Johor State Sports Council, Ekmaludin Ishak and Johor Sports Ambassador and world rugby legend, Sonny Bill Williams.
At the ceremony, four imported players, including Tamanitoakula Kolinio Yabia, Turuva Serupepeli, Revouvou Vatemo from Fiji and Jacob Henry Denyer (New Zealand), were introduced to the public.
Previously, Johor had won two championships in 2013 and 2017, in addition to emerging as runners-up in 2024.
Meanwhile, Bill Williams said that with a combination of calibre leadership, international experience and new enthusiasm, Johor seemed ready to once again raise the state’s name on the national rugby stage.
Therefore, he said, all players must always be enthusiastic to produce the desired success.
“Every big success starts from small steps, but how we shape it will determine the real success,” he said.
The Johor team is scheduled to open the 2025 Agong’s Cup campaign against Pahang on 6th September at the Johor Rugby Stadium.
