The Royal Selangor Club, The Dog, is one of Asia's oldest sporting clubs. Founded in 1884 exclusively for the use of the British expatriate community, it is now a truly Malaysian institution.
 
The Club is still located on its original site adjacent to what is now called Dataran Merdeka in the heart of the old Kuala Lumpur. The mock tudor facade of the RSC buildings make it one of KL's most recognizable and valued architectural sites.
 
In 1997, the RSC opened up its sports annexe in Bukit Kiara. This facility has a rugby/soccer pitch, a hockey pitch, a cricket pitch and lawn and hard court tennis courts. It is also equipped with a gymnasium and swimming pool. However, the Pavilion Bar, modelled on the legendary Long Bar at the original Selangor Club, is probably the most heavily used facility. The rugby section is just one of 15 sporting sections at the Club These include soccer, golf, cricket, hockey and the original Hash House Harriers.
 
Rugby has been played at the Selangor Club since 1892. In the colonial era, the composition of the rugby team was a reflection of the times. A glance of past Dog teams on the walls of the Long Bar will attest to this. However, by the same token, the current crop of RSC players comprising talented and enthusiastic Malaysians and some clapped out old white farts, demonstrates how much Malaysia has changed since independence.
 
The Dog is known as "The home of Malaysian rugby." Being the first to actively play the sport in, then, Malaya, has earned the RSC this sobriquet. However, the RSC also stages the annual Jonah Jones 7s. As the first JJ was held in 1962, this is Asia's oldest continuing 7-a-side tournament. The 1998 version was a great success with 58 teams taking part.
 
The rugby section also prides itself on being gracious hosts to visiting sides and over its long history, the RSC has played host to players from almost all the world's rugby playing nations. As such, when foreigners think of rugby in Malaysia, they invariably think of the Royal Selangor Club.
 
This reputation is further enhanced by the RSC's love of touring. We tour at least once a year, normally to neighbouring countries. Tours capture the essence of (amateur) rugby - the fraternity, the camaraderie, the esprit de corps. No more so than with the Dog on tour. Legal and moral reasons prevent me from commenting further. Needless to say, you will have to find out for yourselves!
 
Dermot Whelan