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Rugby: Terengganu power up with four Fijians for Agong's Cup

KUALA LUMPUR: Agong's Cup defending champions Terengganu have brought in the reinforcements but remain wary of the threat posed by Putrajaya and Police when the tournament kicks off on Saturday.

Terengganu Rugby Association president Amir Amri Mohamad disclosed that the East Coast heavyweights have roped in four Fijian imports — Glen Cakautini, Kinijoji Taukeisalili, Lepasi Peremo and Daniele Yaya — for the campaign.

Daniele has represented Fiji in sevens rugby at the international level.

Terengganu also feature seven current or former national players, including Samuel Rentap and Alif Ikhmal Noor Hisham, who featured for German side TV Pforzheim last year.

Amir predicts the competition to be finely balanced this season.

Terengganu are in Pool A with Melaka and Johor. They will open against Johor at Tengku Muhammad Ismail Stadium in Kuala Terengganu on Saturday.

"Of course we will be going all out to defend our title (won in 2019), but we do not expect it to be easy," said Amir today.

"Our foreign players have arrived, and we have played a few friendlies to fine-tune our squad.

"But the same goes for teams like Johor, Police and Putrajaya, who have had solid preparations.

"Police and Putrajaya are stronger this season with new managements at the helm. We consider all three to be our main rivals on paper.

"However, Pahang and Selangor could spring a surprise, so we cannot afford to let our guard down."

Putrajaya, who are guided by former All Black Brad Mika, have secured the services of national star K. Dinesvaran and are one of the contenders this year.

Terengganu lost to Johor in the 2017 decider but claimed their maiden Agong's Cup title in 2019 when they beat Sabah in the final.

Kedah and Perak have withdrawn from the competition this year due to undisclosed reasons.

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