Sports
 

Why dabble with schools rugby now?
By Bernie Wijesekera
Bryan Baptist gives us his views on the SLSRFA trying to rake in the gate money from school rugby matches and other issues.
Q: What is your view on this proposal?
A:
The first question is "Why now?" School matches are crowd-pullers unlike the Club games. Schools have so many expenses during a season. The schools should have the right to decide on the venues of their games. I personally feel that schools should retain 100% of their gate money. Instead of pulling out from the League Tournament because of such a threat, schools should organize a separate Tournament if the SLSRFA decides to go ahead with demanding part of the gate receipts. Even if it were a proposal, I am very disappointed with such "thinking".

Q: What about playing foreigners in our Club & National teams?
A:
As regards the Club Tournaments, I am happy that the Hon. Minister of Sports has permitted clubs to play 2 foreigners in games. Last season there was more "life" in the games and also our teams were able to up grade their standards. However the strangest thing is that whilst other countries include foreigners in their teams when participating in international tournaments (as per Rules and Regulations), Sri Lanka has failed to include foreign players in our teams participating in such tournaments.
If the rules permit foreigners to be included in National Teams then we should do so.

Q: What is wrong with our rugby? We talk of winning and come back losing all games?
A:
We are not professional. I have already given my proposals after the two tours I went on as Manager. The Sri Lanka Training Squad must be financially well supported if we are to compete amongst the best Asian rugby planning nations.

This calls for sponsorship. Sponsorship will be forthcoming if sponsors are convinced that their investment will be worthwhile and also that they receive due mileage on their products. Dilmah Tea in Sri Lanka Cricket is an example. My experience as Manager of the Sri Lanka Rugby team at the Asian Games was rewarding. I was able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of our team. I have video-taped copies of most of our games and some videos of other games as well. No one seemed to be interested in them - so why worry?

We don't seem to have a sense of urgency. We need committed people with a vision. Identify where we should be in 5 years and plan now. The Under-19 team led by Rajith Jayasundera that recently participated in the Junior Asian Rugby Football Tournament [ARFT] performed reasonably well. We should build on such a base. Dushanth Lewke is another promising Sri Lanka ruggerite. Well, I can go on and on but what is the use?

Q: Do you intend coaching any sides this year?
A:
I have not decided as yet.

Q: Why do you think we lost in Dubai and South Africa?
A:
I have not seen the games. I hope videos of our games were brought back.

Q: Do you think that Sri Lanka has a future?
A:
Rugby has a future here. The question is whether we have a good future or a bleak one? We must not delay any longer. All this squabbling must stop. Let not there be heartburn and infighting. All problems have solutions - this is my sincere view. Others' opinions must be taken into consideration. Above all - BE FAIR.

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