Commonwealth and Asian Games are our main targets – Sri Lanka Rugby chief | Sunday Observer

Commonwealth and Asian Games are our main targets – Sri Lanka Rugby chief

28 March, 2022
Pic: Ranjith Asanka
Pic: Ranjith Asanka

There is a need to start youth rugby tournaments where school leavers can participate. “We do not have such tournaments at present,” said President of Sri Lanka Rugby, Rizly Illyas.

The following is a discussion the Youth Observer had with him recently.

Q: The inter-club rugby league tournament was completed last week. What is going on now?

A: With the Covid pandemic we had to limit rugby tournaments in the country. After a long wait we completed the inter-club rugby tournament after playing the matches that were postponed earlier. Now, we have to conduct the next level of that tournament.

Q: What happened to the annual seven-a-side rugby tournament? Your administration has been unable to organise it?

A: It was due to be held at the beginning of this year. However, we have been unable to organise it so far mainly due to the pandemic. It is not our fault. However, we plan to conduct the tournament soon.

Q: Don’t you think that the country needs to groom a seven-a-side team to face future tournaments?

A: Of course we do. Without a seven-a-side team we cannot participate in future seven-a-side international tournaments. I believe that the Sri Lankan seven-a-side team is a very strong side in Asia. We can perform well with this team. We hope to take part in several international tournaments. It is vital to conduct this tournament soon to select the national seven-a-side team.

Q: What are the main tournaments that are to be held this year?

A: The Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games are the major tournaments that are due to be held this year.

Q: Do you believe that Sri Lanka has a chance to win gold medals in the two tournaments?

A: I believe in my team’s strength. I hope to work hard to see that we perform well. Sports is not only about winning, but participation and camaraderie. So, this question is not fair. But we are determined to obtain a good place in these two tournaments.

Q: You seem to be day-dreaming. Is it not true that the affiliated clubs are not interested in participating in the seven-a-side tournament because Sri Lanka Rugby suddenly decided to conduct it?

A: We are discussing that matter. However, we need to hold this tournament and set up a seven-a-side national pool as soon as possible. We hope affiliated clubs understand this. We hope to conduct the seven-a-side tournament after the conclusion of the Clifford Cup tournament

Q: How many players will be selected to the pool?

A: A twenty-man squad will be selected and we have built up good infrastructure to conduct technical programs for them. Our main target is to build the strength of our national team and keep our flag in the international arena. All the rugby administrators are ready to fulfill that target.

Q: Although your administration had selected 54 players for the 15-a-side pool they were never called to practise as one unit. What is the reason?

A: We hope to call them for practises soon. These days the clubs do not like to release their players for national pool practises as they fear that they might be injured during practises, as they have certain targets and are beholden to the sponsors of the clubs.

The players have signed contracts with their clubs and are under obligation to them. After the tournament is over the clubs will release the players concerned for national pool practises.

Q: Could you outline the high-end technical training that those in the pool will undergo?

A: We are going to follow countries such as Japan, Korea and China which are the most successful nations in rugby in Asia. They have training camps for their players and also pay them well. We also hope to do that. We must give our players a monthly salary.

We had a plan to do that. However, it could not succeed due to the Covid pandemic. Now we are going to try to implement it. At present we are conducting tournaments. But those do not provide not high-end technical training. If they find a good rhythm for the game they could face international competition well. After these tournaments are over we will set a national pool and provide some benefits.

Q: Does the Rugby Union have a plan to encourage more youth to take up the game?

A: Of course it has. Without youth we cannot develop the game. We must conduct tournaments for school leavers. Most school rugger players hang up their boots after they leave school. We must set up a platform that will enable at least a few of them to reach international standards. We must build a good pool of players without which we will not be able to find quality players. That is the way forward.

Q: Do you plan to conduct a tournament for them in future?

A: Of course. We must conduct a tournament for them. I think we hope to catch the 21-24 age group players. It may be successful this year under our administration. Wait and see.

Q: Success cannot be found in anything without money. How do you plan to find the money? Are you hoping for a Sports Ministry hand out to make your plans successful?

A: Money is a major limitation. Basically, we must find Rs. 225 million rupees for the success of this program. I do not think the Sports Ministry will give us that kind of money. We have to find sponsors which is a difficult task. But if there is a good and honest plan it could be successful.

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