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Isipatana launch rugby academy
Isipatana College, a household name for rugby in Havelock Town launched a Rugby Academy for kids at grassroots level - from Under-7, 8, 9 and 10 at Havelock Park. In the past the game was mostly confined to traditional schools, who dominated the sport. But Isipatana made the breakthrough with a concerted effort to match their skills against the best. In the process produced some of skilful players for the country. One of them was Hisham Abdeen.

Today the Havelock Town School is one of the main nurseries in promoting and developing rugby. It was launched on November 15, at Havelock Park. The Academy will be handled by past Isipatana stalwarts, headed by Sanath Martis.

According to Dilroy Fernando, Chairman of the Rugby Committee, it will be on a I.R.B./New Zealand programme. Further it will not be confined to Isipatana alone, but open to all schools and giving playing opportunities to less affluent kids, too.

It will be held on Saturdays from 8.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. Every month there will be a competition for them to indulge in competitive rugby. The motive behind is to promote and develop the game in the country, but just not for Isipatana alone, said Fernando.

In the evening the same day (Nov. 15) Isipatana Rugby Management held a felicitation dinner to the champion teams Under-13, 15 and 19 at the G.O.H. for doing proud for the school. Chandrishan Perera, the C.E.O. Rugby Union was the chief guest.
Next year they will hold the International Rugby 'Sevens' (Schools) on August 28 and 29. Since its inception it was a roaring success. Already schools from New Zealand, Fiji and India have consented their participation. -BW

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