Malaysia Men’s Head Coach Duke Krishnan is Building Towards Long-Term Development at Unions Cup

Malaysia are in the Unions Cup 2026 final for the first time in their first attempt competing in the SEARF-organised tournament, and new Men’s Head Coach Duke Krishnan is excited about the tournament and the long-term development of the squad and players.

Photo Credit – Thailand Rugby Photo

On Saturday, 18th July, the Bunga Raya XV will face the Philippines Volcanoes in what is shaping up to be an excellent final in Bangkok. All the teams have short turnarounds and will have played three matches in a week.

The former Japanese and MLR rugby professional is in charge of the national team for the first time after having represented his country in XVs and 7s. 

Duke told us, “For me, these are my favourite players in Malaysia, and I’ve wanted this group of players to be together as I think it’s a good combination. I admire the way they play, so to see them all in one place and see them play, I am enjoying it.

I know that this job comes with pressure, and I have had a lot of people telling me to be a strong leader and for the players to stand up. This year we decided not to have any foreign eligible players to see where we are at and field a locally based team. I think the players are giving it all this week.”

Photo Credit – Thailand Rugby Photo

The Malaysians left it late to defeat Thailand with a drop goal in the final play, and after rushing out to a good lead over Chinese Taipei in the Cup semifinal, had to adjust to a second-half comeback to overcome the challenge.

“I think Thailand prepared their team very well, and some of the players I was watching and admiring as they worked hard. They kept us on our toes the whole game. I have played Thailand, and I have lost against them after having led, so I knew that they are always going to fight until the end of the game.

I didn’t expect the drop goal. That is why I pick the players that I pick. I always knew that if I was given the chance to put all these guys together, we could have a great team, and I’m happy that they found the team dynamics so quickly.”

There’s obviously some good quality players spread throughout the squad off the back of the Malaysian Agong Cup, but the Head Coach has had limited time with the group. They also went into camp after having been smashing into each other for several weeks, so they had to gel as a national team quickly.

“Before the boys got together, I was already planning what would break the ice between them. I’ve been in teams for a long time in my life, and as a player, I always wanted to break the ice and mingle in with the players to better understand each other. 

They know each other, but they play for different teams, and some of them are senior players, and some of them are young and upcoming players. In my job as a coach, I don’t have to coach them how to play rugby; I need to create an environment where they start to sharpen each other’s skills and qualities.

Some of the players even came down to the camp without getting the proper release from their jobs, which showed me their sacrifices when it comes to the national team, and that builds a culture and spirit.”

Photo Credit – Thailand Rugby Photo

Developing Athletes With Malaysia Rugby

In his own business, Dugro (as he is known) offers sports counselling and sports psychology as part of his services. He explained, “The mental health side should be prioritised because mindset is everything for the players, so they need to be in an environment where they really enjoy growing. 

From my own experience, I played many sports and different types of sports, but rugby made me feel like I belonged here, and I want this place to feel like that for them; to belong in this circle.

I created an environment where everybody was playing and fighting for chances. The players who didn’t get selected for their first game were really upset. They didn’t tell me, but that’s what I want. I want them to be hungry to play and to show what they are capable of.”

Beyond the Unions Cup, he wants to continue developing players physically and mentally. 

“For the next six months, we are providing some online programs for the players, and monthly testing, and they have to go through the testing and pass the test to make it to the national team. We will provide physical gym sessions and conditioning, Bronco tests, speed tests, and strength tests to create something once we finish this tournament and go back home.

We have been encouraging players and teaching them about nutrition and what they’re consuming, and my company is collaborating with MRU to educate the players about this athlete lifestyle. Even when they are not playing rugby anymore, they will have this knowledge that they can use, and it’s life social skills.”

He said his learnings come from his own experience of having played in Japan and in the US. “I learned from my experiences. And in Japan, they educated me about the food. And when I got injured, I learned more about how to recover faster. Now it’s my time to pass it on to the next generation.”

Photo Credit – CTRU – Malaysia Rugby vs Chinese Taipei – Unions Cup 2026

Although we are sure he and the team want to win the Unions Cup, Duke Krishnan said he hasnt felt any pressure yet – he is taking a long-term view on their goals and development.

“Once I put these players together, something clicked in me that I always wanted. To help the next generation to learn, and I want to be developing players to be athletes. I told them I took this job because I want to teach what I have learned, and for them to act more professionally. I don’t mind about the result, but I’m going to keep focusing on developing the players. The more players I can develop, maybe the more influential the message that can be passed on.”

On being involved in their first Unions Cup, he said that he is happy Malaysia Rugby is involved and supporting this and the SEARF.

“It is good that we are participating now, and not only Malaysia, but the whole of Asia should also be supporting this tournament because it gives us another place to meet and play and to work together. It is good for us all if we can have more strong rugby countries in the region.” 

Unions Cup 2026 Finals

The finals will take place on Saturday, 18 July 2026, with all four matches at the same location for the first time; NONPAO – Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation.

• 7th place: Laos vs Guam 9AM KO
• 5th place: Asian Barbarian  vs Thailand 11AM KO
• 3rd place: Singapore vs Chinese Taipei 2PM KO
• Final: Philippines vs Malaysia 4PM KO

How To Watch the Unions Cup 2026

The Thai Rugby Union will stream all the matches on their YouTube channel.

Unions Cup 2026

• Philippines Looking To Go Back To Back in Unions Cup 2026
• The Philippines and Malaysia Head To Unions Cup 2026 Final.
• Unions Cup 2026 Matchday 1 Reviews.
• Singapore Rugby Tell Us About the Importance of the Unions Cup 2026.