Johor rugby enters a new era with a fresh team identity, a strategic local partnership and the signing of former Rugby World Cup player Tim Nanai-Williams for the 42nd edition of the Agong Cup.
JOHOR BAHRU: Johor rugby officially ushered in a new chapter on Wednesday with the launch of the Johor Tigers, the state’s new official identity for the 2026 Agong Cup campaign, during a media conference and team unveiling ceremony at the Grand Ballroom of Grand Paragon Hotel here.
Organised by the Johor State Rugby Union, the event marked the official start of Johor’s preparations for the 42nd edition of the prestigious national rugby tournament, while also recognising the continued support from the Johor state government, the Johor State Sports Council and corporate partners in developing rugby in the state.
In a major announcement, Johor confirmed the team will now compete under the Johor Tigers brand as part of efforts to strengthen its identity and competitive spirit on the national stage. Among the highlights of the launch was the unveiling of the team’s official jersey, developed in collaboration with local sports brand Faiz.sport, featuring a modern and dynamic design aligned with the team’s renewed ambition.
Johor also introduced several new players, including high-profile import signing Tim Nanai-Williams, the New Zealand-born professional who has represented Samoa internationally.
Nanai-Williams brings vast elite-level experience, having featured in the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups, while also being the cousin of global rugby icon Sonny Bill Williams.
His arrival is expected to provide leadership, creativity and tactical strength as Johor eyes a stronger campaign this season. Johor State Rugby Union president Dato’ Hj Mohd Noorazam Osman said bringing in quality imports forms part of the union’s strategy to elevate the squad’s competitiveness.
“Johor are committed to being more competitive in the 2026 Agong Cup. The combination of local and imported players is expected to strengthen the team and create tougher competition,” he said.
Reflecting on last season’s heartbreak, Noorazam said the team remains motivated after narrowly missing out in the closing minutes.
“This is a mandate. This is a mission we must complete after losing in the final two minutes last year. We are not dwelling on the past — we move forward and continue improving ourselves to a different level,” he added.
The event also featured the introduction of official sponsors, a signing ceremony involving the imported players, and the unveiling of Johor Tigers’ full squad for the 2026 season.
Johor have been drawn in Group B alongside Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah and ATM, with their opening match scheduled against Putrajaya on May 9 at Johor Rugby Stadium, Mount Austin.
