As the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens (SVNS) approaches, Sidney Kumar, General Manager of the Singapore Rugby Union (SRU), finds himself in a unique position – overseeing the sport’s development at the national level while preparing for an event that has become a key pillar of Singapore’s rugby landscape.
With the National Stadium set to once again host some of the best rugby players in the world, Kumar reflects on the sport’s progress and challenges.
Last year, SRU marked a significant achievement at the 33rd SEA Games, where the female and male teams clinched silver and bronze medals, respectively. These accolades reflect the union’s growth, and as the Sevens tournament draws near, the stakes are high.
Moreover, with the HSBC SVNS now a vital part of the international rugby calendar, Kumar is determined to build on that momentum and inspire the next generation of players.
In 2017, he was part of the national team that last secured a medal at the Southeast Asian Games, a victory he holds close to his heart. “There’s a bit of lag between then and now,” he said. Yet despite the gap, the national team’s resurgence and their return to competition at the iconic Singapore Stadium have rekindled hope.
“We are hopeful; we have positioned our programs to finish strong. Our players know it’s a big opportunity to play at the stadium, in front of their family and friends, among some of the best players in the world,” he added.
The HSBC SVNS has also become a crucial tool for strengthening regional ties. “Since the inception of the SEA 7s, we have already built strong relationships with our Southeast Asian partners, our various neighbouring unions,” he said, adding that Singapore has played host to many regional teams, cementing its place as a rugby hub in the region.
He also emphasised how the competition has paved the way for more opportunities in the region. “On the back of the SEA 7s, we’ve expanded our international relations. This helps us create stronger competitions and more playing opportunities for young players. There’s now a clearer pathway for kids coming through the rugby ecosystem, ultimately, hopefully one day playing in the competition.”
This coming weekend, when the HSBC SVNS will unfold at the National Stadium, Kumar is also looking forward to a special moment that hits rather close to home.
“My little boy is turning five this year, and he has an opportunity to play at the SVNS this weekend,” Kumar shared. The family-friendly weekend features rugby clinics for kids where touch rugby is explored. This is what makes the sport so precious to Kumar – “It’s those little things, you know? Like, ‘Mom, Dad, this Saturday I play at the stadium in the finals.’ It’s those moments that make our sport so beautiful. It starts from there,” he said.
When asked about what he’s looking forward to the most at this year’s HSBC SVNS, Kumar said: “For me, I’ll never forget the snapshot of the entire Singapore community at the stadium, standing up, cheering for the sport that I love so dearly. That’s what rugby should be.”
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23 Dec 2025 18:45
