Sorowako Rugby Club

Established in 2007, the Sorowako Rugby Club is a relative new comer to the Indonesian rugby scene. The men’s senior team, known as the Matano Miners, competes against other Indonesian clubs in local tournaments such as the Jakarta 10s and Bali 10s. There is also an annual grudge match played every Easter against the Bali Stiff Chilli’s, with the winner claiming rights to the Bali – Sulawesi Inter-Island trophy.

The clubs hails from the small Nickel mining town of Sorowako (South Sulawesi), which is 12 hours by road from Makassar. Its remoteness makes for a special breed of players, with the Matano Miners renowned for their fast-paced, competitive, and open style of rugby.

The Matano Miners consist of players from Indonesia, New Zealand, Australia, USA and Ireland. Player age is also not a factor with two members over the age of 50 still actively playing. This motley crew of men band together, to promote rugby within the Sorowako and South Sulawesi region. Coaching at the local senior high school level has begun with the aim of producing up and coming youth players for the 2010 season.

Club Achievements So Far Include:

4th place finish in 2009 Jakarta 10’s.

Two team members were Indonesian Player and Indonesian Top Try scorer in 2009 Jakarta 10’s.

Five team members selected for the  2009 Indonesian national squad training camp, with two team members going on to represent Indonesia at the Division 3 Asian 5 Nations Tournament.

Click on images to enlarge

Text and images courtesy: Andrew Kelman