By Shamseer Jaleel

The Ceylonese Rugby & Football Club (CR & FC) men's and women's teams will not feature in the two rounds of the Commander's Cup Rugby Sevens 2021 tournament which will take place next month in Ratmalana.

Speaking to Daily Mirror, President of CR & FC and 1982 Royal College rugby skipper Ted Hiran Muttiah said, "The requirement for players to be in group isolation for a continuous period of 35 days puts in jeopardy their full-time jobs."

He further added, "In the current economic climate imposed by the pandemic, the CR rugby board determined it is unfair to expect our men's and women's players to put at risk their livelihood, many of whom are sole bread winners in their families. The club's duty of care to our players extends beyond the playing field.”

Muttiah concluded saying, “We commend Sri Lanka Rugby’s enthusiasm and commitment working in collaboration with the Ministry of Sport and Ministry of Health to bring local rugby back to the spectators. We wish the tournament committee a successful series."

Earlier, the league champions Kandy Sports Club also pulled out due to financial reasons as no rugby has been played during the last year and no gate receipts nor sponsorship funds have been collected.