Malaysian rugby will finally have their first stadium in the country.
Former Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin first announced plans to give the sport its own home in 2015 but it did not materialise immediately.
Deciding on the location of the stadium was a stumbling block and among the sites which had previously been mulled by the Sports Ministry included Universiti Putra Malaysia in Serdang, Bukit Jalil and Putrajaya.
The site for the stadium was finally decided last year. It will be built in Precint 13, Putrajaya.
Malaysia Rugby (MR) honorary secretary Amrul Hazarin Hamidon disclosed that the Sports Ministry issued a tender for the construction work last month.
The budget for the stadium is RM17 million.
“We are quite pleased with the location of the stadium as it is in an accessible location,” said Amrul.
“Once they (sports ministry) have decided on the contractor, then work can begin at the site. We, however, have not been informed of any possible completion date for the venue.”
MR hope the stadium will meet the minimum requirements to host international matches.
“We have been told that the venue will have a permanent grandstand on one side of the field with room for modular seating on the other sections.
“The expected (spectator) capacity is 5,000.
“The most important aspect for us is that the stadium meets all the requirements to host international games.
“We have submitted a wish list to the Sports Ministry in regard to the facilities that we require such as lighting, changing rooms and players lounge.
“Having our stadium also means that it would be easier for us to get our (domestic league) matches televised as we can meet the requirements set by the broadcasters,” he added.