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A family of rugby-mad Malaysian businessmen are forging close ties with New Zealand as they encourage their country towards greater things in the game.

Vela Tan and his brothers Cumar, Sagaran and K.H. – who are spending a small fortune to bring 15 members of the extended family to the Rugby World Cup finals – are in charge of the highly-regarded Borneo Sevens in Kota Kinabalu in the Malaysian state of Sabah.

Sabah is renowned for its eco-tourism such as the unique Rasa Ria nature reserve where the orphaned orang-utan are rehabilitated, the Marine Ecology Research Centre at the stunning Gayana Eco Resort and the fascinating Klias River safari. Other attractions include the Mari Mari cultural village, amazing diving spots and the world heritage site of Mt Kinabalu.

And it has a sevens tournament that offers much to a travelling rugby fan.

The event brings together national teams, youth sides and clubs (although the latter tournament was deferred this year due to the RWC), and has had a significant New Zealand connection over the years.

Numerous Kiwis have been drafted into the Borneo Eagles club side, including internationals Sherwin Stowers, Kahn Fotuali'i and Afeleke Pelenise, and now the Tan family has reached out to coaches, with former national sevens representative Chad Tuoro recently spending a week helping both the youth and the national team.

The hosts found the going tough at this year's Borneo Sevens and lost the Plate final to finish sixth but Tuoro, who operates the Twin Training rugby academy in Mt Maunganui, said the potential was significant.

“The talent is there although the players need coaching the basic skills from a younger age”.

Japan won the event, and with it the HSBC Asian Sevens Series, thrashing the Philippines 46-0 after edging rivals Hong Kong 15-12 in the semi final. The improving Philippines had beaten powerhouse China 19-14 in extra time in the other semi, demonstrating the growth in Asia after the decision to include rugby sevens in the Olympics

The unique aspect of the tournament, which is covered live on Malaysian television, is a relationship which sees eight teams contest the Asia-Pacific Women’s Sevens.

Michael Groom, IRB Operations Manager (Oceania), said the event, in its second year, was a great initiative for the women’s game.

“The participation of the Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga creates an excellent foundation for elite women’s rugby,” said Groom. “Interest has grown since the first year and we hope to expand in the years ahead.”

PNG beat China 24-10 for the women’s title with the phenomenal Joanne Lagona unstoppable in scoring 13 tries over the weekend, including three in the final.

The Borneo Sevens helps further the Tans’ ambition to have world-class rugby sevens in Sabah, and has received high-level support.

“I am pleased to know that the organisers have set a long-term goal of winning a bid to host an IRB Sevens World Series tournament,” said Yab Datuk Ahmad Shabery Creek, the Federal Minister of Youth & Sports. “The Borneo Sevens would be the perfect way to start that proverbial journey of a thousand miles towards glory.”

A long journey but one that, if successful, would make the Tans a happy clan. That and an All Blacks victory.