New look squads capable of springing a surprise – SL Rugby Boss

By Ranil Prematilake

Whilst the general perception points at an average performance by the new look Sri Lanka men’s and women’s squads this weekend at the Dialog sponsored Asia Sevens Series 2021 edition in Dubai, a rather optimistic Sri Lanka Rugby chief contended that it would not be so. “Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) is thrilled to understand through the coaching staff headed by Ben Gollings that the new squads are hungry to learn new dimensions of the game through him. Don’t be surprised if the squads do well next week” said Rizly Illyas.  

Sri Lankan men’s side is drawn alongside Asian powerhouse Japan, China and the United Arab Emirates in pool ‘B’ with the top two sides progressing to the Cup semi-finals. Pool ‘A’ comprises South Korea, Hong Kong, Philippines and Malaysia. Even with unconfirmed reports of Japan quite unlikely to send a full strength side, the crunch game for Sri Lanka should be the China game with the composition of its squad yet unknown. The Sri Lankan squads are expected to reach the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday night. 

Commenting on the process of training Illyas had this to state. “Within this short period of time SLR sponsors along with the Ministry of Sports and the Health Ministry came together in facilitating the training sessions under a ministry approved bubble at the Sugathadasa Hotel”.

“This is a testing tournament for both men and women as we have 70% new faces. Unlike before SLR did not intervene in training, selections, with coaches and a free hand was given to select the best available side. We did know of a tournament of this nature coming through either in Korea or UAE and were in discussion with the ministry (Sports) appointed High Performance Committee. We made them aware of training as early as in march this year, yet a couple of lockdowns followed impeding on any progress. High performance training did not materialize and what followed was the ministry directed sevens tournament” elaborated Illyas on the sequence of events leading up to this weekend’s event.  

Following a very brief cricketing career (SL under 19 squad), Illyas who went on to represent Petersons SC in the ‘A’ division club rugby tournaments during the period 1990-1996 had this to say in conclusion. “ The most important factor we have learnt during this pandemic and getting back to sports is to forge ahead with fair play and good spiritsand not only to go and win games. Rugby is after all an Olympic sport”.