Hornsbill Rugby Club

Written by Hermant
Saturday, 19 January 2008

Rugby is a sport steeped in tradition and played in many countries abroad. It was not a familiar sport in Sengata, until it was introduced by some expats who worked at PT. Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC).

Initially, it appeared to be an exclusive, strange sport, because it only appealed to expats who were attracted to its power and energy.
Eventually there were enough players to make a team which they called the SENGATA HORNBILLS (Sangatta Saracen). It was the first rugby club in Kalimantan Timur.

In  2004 one Indonesian national, Bachtiar,  joined SENDATA HORNBILL rugby club.

In 2005, three more Indonesians, Iswalyo, Fadin & Putu,  joined the team.

In 2006 this team won a tournament, beating the Jakarta 10. This was the team’s first experience of rugby glory.

After winning this tournament, two of Saracen player were elected to play in the ASEAN Championship Division VI which was first held at Phnom Phen, Cambodia.

In 2007, 3 SENGATA HORNBILL players; Fadin, Putu, Iswaluyo, joined THE RHINO’S, the Indonesian National Team, and won their division.