The Penguins visited Brunei for the first time in October 2014, and ran a session for the local Bandar Vixens ladies' team.
Penguin CEO, Craig Brown, made the visit as part of the Club's tour to Singapore for the SCC 7s. The trip to Brunei was an introductory exercise; part of a new initiative being set up with HSBC and the IRB to develop the game around the world.
Local rugby enthusiast, Ainol Razman Ghazaly, the current coach of the Vixens, organised everything. Ainol explained that the ladies' team is new to Brunei, and as yet, have played few matches. Nevertheless, they are very keen to develop their game. The aim in Brunei is to set up more ladies' teams, with a key goal of formimg a league in the near future.
On a slightly soggy field at the Royal Brunei Recreation Club, 14 players turned out for the 90 minute session. The rugby experience of the ladies ranged from a few years to a few months. The session concentrated on handling skills and creating space, and all were taken through the basics of the half back pass.
Penguin, Brown, confirmed post-session, that the enthusiasm levels where very high, and although work is required, their skills were good, given the amount of time they had been playing.
The Penguins look forward to returning in the future.