Although Sri Lanka has enjoyed a strong run of success in the seven-a-side version of rugby, the country still places firm emphasis on the 15-a-side format of the game when it comes to school and national rugby development. The Sunday Times put it to the general public: Which format deserves more attention? Follow @timesonlinelk Related [...]

Feeds Editorials Times Online

The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka

Sevens or fifteens — the Lankan rugby dilemma!

Pix by Amila Gamage
View(s):

Although Sri Lanka has enjoyed a strong run of success in the seven-a-side version of rugby, the country still places firm emphasis on the 15-a-side format of the game when it comes to school and national rugby development. The Sunday Times put it to the general public: Which format deserves more attention?

Seven-a-side rugby is the best format for our country. Although New Zealand is the best when it comes to 15-a-side, countries like Fiji usually play superbly in seven-a-side matches. Even in the Sri Lankan team there are a few power players and when it comes to speed our players have plenty of it. - Jesse Perera (Private sector employee)

When compared with other countries the body size of players from our country is very small so we cannot perform that well in 15-a-side rugby. Due to the speed factor though, I think the best option for us is seven-a-side rugby. - Gayan Kanishka (Student)

I think 15-a-side is the best. If a team needs to come up in the field of rugby, they should play more 15-a-side matches. - Vajira Chathuranga (Student)

There is more team spirit among a side of 15 than one with seven players. Our teams should be playing more 15-a-side matches. - Kasun Akalanka (Tourism agent)

When it comes to rugby, I think 15-a-side matches are more recognized worldwide. Our players should be playing more 15-a-side matches. - Nimal Premawansa (Shipman)

We are good in sevens, much better than we are at 15-a-side rugby. The speed is there and there are many upcoming players performing well in seven-a-side matches. - Muflih Kuhafa (Travel firm employee)

Seven-a-side matches are very interesting to watch. We can progress further at the international level by playing and focussing more on seven-a-side rugby. - Cyril Pathma (Retired private sector employee)

Seven-a-side rugby is good for the crowd, but not for the boys playing the match. This is like cricket, though twenty over matches are interesting and the crowd love it, test matches are the best for the players if they want to improve their skills. - Keerthi Guneratne (Cricket coach)

I think right now our best chance is in seven-a-side rugby. We don’t have the size or that power to play 15-a-side matches. Countries like Tonga and Samoa that usually do not have a place in 15-a –side matches beat New Zealand in seven-a-side games. Therefore our country should focus more on seven-a-side rugby. - Kitto Fernandopulle (Cricket coach)

We have to improve and develop both formats. But the seven-a-side is more well-known because of the media exposure and the number of international matches being played in our country. But there should be such coverage provided for 15-a-side rugby as it is only by playing 15-a-side rugby that a player can improve his skills. - Ranitha Liyanarachchi (School cricketer)

In Sri Lanka we do not have a good 15-a-side team. But at the moment our sevens team is doing really well. That form of the game requires a lot of speed, stamina and skill and our sevens side has that. What we need to do is segregate the sevens team and develop them separately. We should have two different teams for seven-a-side rugby and 15-a-side rugby similar to what they do for Test and Twenty20 cricket. - Hassan Singhawansa (Upcountry Lions manager)



Share This Post

DeliciousDiggGoogleStumbleuponRedditTechnoratiYahooBloggerMyspace
comments powered by Disqus

Advertising Rates

Please contact the advertising office on 011 - 2479521 for the advertising rates.