By Harsha Amarasinghe

Asia Rugby (AR) on Thursday (16) announced that Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) President Rizly Illyas has been suspended following an investigation into a potential breach of the AR Code of Conduct. 

“Asia Rugby Executive Committee has approved the suspension of Mr. Rizly Illyas from any rugby duties, activities and responsibilities within the jurisdiction of Asia Rugby until the pending investigation is concluded,” a statement from Asia Rugby reads.

Some believe that the very sudden suspension may have been imposed in an attempt to stop Illyas from appearing in the upcoming SLR Annual General Meeting (AGM). 

Daily Mirror understands the representatives of Illyas will soon begin the discussions with Asia Rugby and the legal team is of the opinion that AR has no right to overpower SLR constitution.

With the national 7's team preparing for the Commonwealth Games next month, it would be interesting to see how Asia Rugby's decision could impact the country's immediate and long-term future of rugby.