Redemption and Glory: Singapore Women’s Rugby 7s Crowned SEA 7s Champions

Team Singapore Women's Rugby Team Claims SEA 7s Crown at Singapore Rugby 7s, besting regional rivals Malaysia in lead up to year end Southeast Asian Games

PHOTO: JOASH CHOW, SPORTPLUS.SG

After years of coming heartbreakingly close, the Singapore Women’s Rugby 7s team finally broke their finals jinx in spectacular fashion—clinching their first-ever Southeast Asia 7s (SEA 7s) title with a comeback victory over regional rivals Malaysia at the National Stadium.

A Final Worth Waiting For

Having dispatched the same opponents 28-5 during the group stage, the Singapore side entered the gold medal match as favourites. But finals are rarely straightforward—especially in the frenetic world of rugby sevens.

Malaysia struck early with a surprise try in the opening minute, catching the hosts off guard. But calm heads prevailed. Just two minutes later, Singapore’s #11 Jayne Chan delivered a swift reply, darting through the defence for a try and nailing the conversion to give Singapore a slender 7–5 halftime lead.

“We knew anything could happen in a final,” said captain Victoria Chew, reflecting on the fast-paced opener. “But as a team, we stayed reactive and kept adapting. That’s what got us through.”

PHOTO: JOASH CHOW, SPORTPLUS.SG

Discipline and Determination

Singapore’s composure under pressure earned praise from head coach Rex Wang, who noted that halftime adjustments were key to the turnaround.

“It was a mistake that led to the early try, but the girls cleaned it up quickly,” Wang said. “Our message at the break was simple—trust the system, stick to the process.”

The second half was a tense, tactical battle played largely in the midfield, with both sides struggling to break through resolute defences. But then came the moment of magic—once again from Jayne Chan—who found a gap and surged over the line to score her second try, securing a 12–5 lead and, ultimately, Singapore’s historic win.

PHOTO: JOASH CHOW, SPORTPLUS.SG

A Victory for the Team—and the Nation

The final whistle sparked jubilation in the stands and on the pitch, as the Singapore players celebrated a long-awaited triumph on home soil. Having finished second in the last two SEA 7s finals, the victory was as much about redemption as it was about silverware.

Describing the win as “surreal,” Chew highlighted the broader significance of the achievement.

“This isn’t just for us—it’s for the entire rugby community in Singapore,” she said. “Playing at home adds pressure, but it also gives you strength. We showed we could thrive under that pressure.”

PHOTO: JOASH CHOW, SPORTPLUS.SG

Eyes on the SEA Games

With the SEA 7s crown now secured, the team turns its focus toward an even bigger goal: the SEA Games in December, where Thailand awaits as the host nation and likely title contender.

Coach Wang acknowledged the leadership shown by his senior players, but emphasised that the competition for spots remains open.

“We have new talent emerging, with some players making their debuts and others featuring for our Singapore ‘A’ squad,” he said. “It’s an exciting time, and the door is wide open for players to earn their place in the SEA Games squad.”

A New Chapter Begins

The SEA 7s win marks a new era for the Singapore Women’s team—one defined not by near misses, but by silverware, belief, and momentum. With eyes now set on the elusive SEA Games gold, the newly crowned champions are ready to write the next chapter of their story. #SgRugby7s #SEA7s #TeamSingapore