KANGAR: The Malaysian rugby fraternity is mourning the loss of one of it’s favourite sons, Badrul Hisham Basri.
The Perlis great collapsed at his home in Kangar yesterday (Monday) afternoon after suffering a stroke just before leaving to coach his students at SMK Syed Sirajuddin.
He passed away at Hospital Tuanku Fauziah, he was 41.
Tributes poured in yesterday (Monday) honouring the former international for both his kind and gentle demeanour, as well as his prolific skills on the pitch.
Badrul, a permanent fixture in the national sevens and 15’s sides of the 2000’s, was known as one of the best kicker’s Malaysia has ever produced.
Former national teammate Mazuri Sallehudin said Badrul, who played in the stand-off position in 15s rugby, was an immensely talented player.
“He is definitely one of the best kickers Malaysia ever had. I can’t remember how many times we (Negri Sembilan) had lost to his team in the Agong’s Cup at the last minute due to him scoring penalties from some impossible angles,” said Mazuri.
“He always had a smile on his face and was always willing to help and share his knowledge, even if you were new or a junior.
“When we played for Malaysia, he always motivated the team to do their best, even when we were faced with some very difficult situations.”
Former Malaysia Rugby honorary secretary Suhaimi Zainuddin said Badrul was always committed to the game, even after his national team days were over.
Badrul had represented both Selangor and Perlis at state level competitions, as well as Cobra and Keris Conlay at club level, among others.
“I knew Badrul since 1997 when he was 20 and you could tell that he was an outstanding talent,” said Suhaimi.
“When he became a teacher, he went home to Perlis and worked hard to develop talent in the state.
“He was Perlis Rugby’s technical chairman and in fact, he was even player-coach for Perlis in the Agong’s Cup last year at the age of 41.
“He was very fit and was still a competent player at that age, which is why we are very shocked by his passing. It is definitely a huge loss for Malaysian rugby.”
Badrul had represented Malaysia at the 2002 Busan Asian Games and Manchester Commonwealth Games, 2001-2002 World Sevens Series as well as the ARFU Division 1 and 2 Championships from 2002-2006 among others.