Singapore Memerang team manager Phill Browne will get to see the fruits of his passion finally realised after 22 long years in the making this Thursday when the red and white of the Memerang play their first ever rugby league international fixture against Japan Samurais in Manila, Philippines at the 2025 Asian Rugby League Championships.
For Browne, the seeds of rugby league being played in the city-state were planted back in 2003 when he first travelled from Sydney to Singapore to trial for the Singapore rugby 7’s program.
During that time, a long-time rugby league player and enthusiast now turned official had a dream of seeing Singapore develop rugby league domestically. An association was created and development work undertaken however with relocation for work away from Singapore the development unfortunately ceased prior to any national team games being played.
“To see the Singapore team run out for their first ever international match will bring a tear to the eye and I’m in admiration of all those behind the scenes for all their hard work and helped make this a reality”
“My mother is Singaporean born and so is both her parents, so seeing rugby league being played in Singapore is massive for me. I’m so honoured to be a part of this historic occasion.”
Following the 2025 Asian Rugby League Championships, the domestic season in Singapore is being planned for July/August 2026, along with further national team games in September and October.
