Sri Lankan structure more suited for Sevens Rugby - Marija

Former Kingswood College and Kandy Sports Club player Fazil Marija said that Sri Lanka's rugby structure is more suited for the Sevens game. 

"We have a better chance of playing in sevens rugby than in 15-a-side rugby at Asian level," Marija told the Daily Mirror. 

"We are capable of playing in the 15-a-side game but still it is a long way for us to go in this format. For the shorter version of the game, we have the skills and talent. We need to keep one squad and play more international tournaments."

The former national captain said that foreign exposure was important for the local players to grow. 

"Training abroad and giving the exposure is very important for our players. Further, I have played in New Zealand for three months and it made a big difference for me," he said. 

"Exposure in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa is ideal for players with short stints. Strength and conditioning was another ara Sri Lanka needed some help. We must get the best players for sevens and a very good strength and conditioning coachi who can take us to the international leve. He should also work with the schools and the clubs which will help the players in the end," he added. 

"For the longer version of the game we need to plan for at least five years. We must help the players to get the exposure in Japan, Europe or pther leading countries in rugby football."

7"In sevens rugby we are in the top three in Asia and with good planning we could go to the top," he also said.