Sri Lankan rugby referee in London bestowed with Spirit Of Referee award | Page 2 | Sunday Observer

Sri Lankan rugby referee in London bestowed with Spirit Of Referee award

22 May, 2022

Bandara Wekadapola, a former Kingswood and Police rugby player, has been honoured by the London Society of Rugby Football Union Referees (LSRFUR) with the ‘Spirit Of Referee’ award.

The 47-year-old Sri Lankan now domiciled in the United Kingdom has gone great guns with the London Society since gaining accreditation as a Level 7 referee and becoming their representative to Middlesex County RFU West Region Clubs Council.

He received the London Society West Region award at the Society Dinner on Friday and was overwhelmed by the occasion. The only Asian in the London Society, he dedicated this award to his mother and family.

“I lost my father when I was six years. From then everything is my mother, she is my inspirational character. She is 87 now. I love to dedicate this to my mother. Also my beautiful family here with me, wife Sunethra and two kids. They all support me to do refereeing every weekend by releasing me from home work. So Without their support I’m not able to do anything. I love them so much,” he said.

He paid tribute to his school coaches GB Gunadasa, Kastro sir and Police coaches SDIG Nimal Lewke, DIG Lafeer and DIG Marso along with London Society colleagues Gary Dibden, Steve Biles, Ed Turnill, London Society president Simon Ambler, Rob Park, Regional manager Hannah Everit and late Jim Taylor.

“They all help me to become a good referee,” added Wekadapola who counts among his many accomplishments as a referee officiating the Imperial Varsity match in 2013 at Twickenham Stoop (home of Harlequins RFC) and also various Cup finals, including Middlesex School Cup final at Allianz Park (home of Saracens RFC). He also refereed two Women’s Premiership matches between Richmond Ladies versus Aylesford Bulls Ladies and Saracen Ladies versuss Wasp Ladies in 2015.

Comments