Ex-national rugby player Jef Hazrul, aka Abang Jep, builds a strong TikTok niche with rugby insights, analysis and grassroots coverage
PUCHONG: Making it big as an influencer in today’s saturated digital landscape is no small feat, but former national rugby player Jef Hazrul Nizam Jaafar has managed to do just that by carving out a niche few dared to explore.
Better known as “Abang Jep” within local rugby circles, Jef has successfully transitioned from player and coach to full-time rugby content creator, using platforms such as TikTok to build a loyal following centred entirely on the sport.
“In TikTok, if you focus on one niche and you really know your subject, people will come,” he told theSun.
Unlike many creators who diversify across trending topics, Jef concentrates solely on rugby – a sport that, while growing, remains outside Malaysia’s traditional core sports ecosystem.
“When I started around 2022, there was practically no one consistently discussing rugby in an open forum format. I went live and answered questions directly. It became an open discussion space,” he said.
Drawing from years of experience as a player, coach and commentator, Jef provides tactical breakdowns, match insights and practical “shortcuts” for young players.
“Students prefer when you simplify situations,” he said.
His credibility also plays an important role in his online journey.
Jef represented Selangor in the prestigious Piala Agong competition, winning three titles, and earned a national call-up in his third year with the state side.
He went on to represent Malaysia for five years before moving into coaching roles, including assistant positions with the Malaysia Under-23 and the national women rugby team.
Jef said he was introduced to rugby in 2000 at Universiti Teknologi Mara, where he trained alongside some of the country’s top players at the time.
After graduating, he joined the historic Royal Selangor Club before progressing to the Selangor state team.
His commentary career, which began around 2007, saw him cover major competitions, including the Super League, National Sevens and Malaysian Games. However, after the pandemic period, he pivoted towards grassroots coverage.
“I got bored covering only the major tournaments. I decided to focus on schools – primary and secondary.
“Those players never experienced having their matches properly analysed or broadcast. When they did, they loved it,” he said.
The Sun Malaysia
