Kandy Times

His first real Test will be to get the Lankan rugby contingent ready for the Kandy sevens which will be held in the Hill Capital from September 15. After George Simpkin pulled out from his role as the head coach of the national rugby team the head hunting was on and the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) found the Indian Coach Willie Hetaraka as the suitable person for the job. Willie comes in to the national team on a three-year contract after his stint with India where he was in charge for the same period of time.

Willie who started coaching at the tender age of 24 years comes to take over Sri Lankan rugby at a vital stage. He has got coaching experience by being in charge of the Thames Valley and NPC team in New Zealand. He got involved with the New Zealand Rugby Football Union (NZRFU) since 1997. He started by looking after the Maori All Blacks outfit (1997-1999), Northern region Maori Team (1999-2001), New Zealand Maori under 21. With loads of good results the NZRFU hired him as Maori All Blacks Selector/Technical Advisor from 2001-2003.

Then in 2003 Willie took over the minnows in rugby India. Mainly players were from the Indian Army who never touched a rugby ball. With lot of coaching and determination after three months they played international matches in one calendar winning two and losing only one.

Willie took time off to speak to the Sunday Times recently at the SLRFU Headquarters.

Q: What is your view on young schoolboys representing Sri Lanka at the Asiad?

Willie: There is no age limit for players. I have seen and coached some young players who turned out to be International stars. Christian Cullinan, Carlo Spencer and even Jonah Lomu all these players entered at their young age under 20 years. I have watched a few school matches such as Kingswood vs St Peter’s, Kingswood vs Wesley and Trinity vs St Joseph’s. After watching these youngsters if these young lads are taught the correct techniques they would be stars very soon. I see lot of young talent in some of these players. I will be sitting along with the national selectors to find a suitable side.

Q: Before the Asia’s Rugby showpiece kicks off in November do you think you will find enough time to train and bring the boys good for the big occasion?

Willie : Yes of course. There are 2 sevens tournament out of Colombo followed by the Provincial tournament. I will be closely watching all these games. All together I will have 126 sessions before the Rugby Asiad kicks off in Colombo. I think this is ample time for the boys and me for preparation.

Q: What kind kind of players you are looking for is it big made forwards or speedy runners.

Willie: We need all of them in a team. But before anything what I am looking for is discipline in a player. They should have pride in wearing the Sri Lankan national jersey. Any player who is really keen and love the game of rugby can be given advise. My important job is to keep the mindset of the player on the job, heart in right place for the game. As I told you the player should be proud to wear the jersey since he is representing the entire nation of nearly 20 million people. This is nearly 5 times bigger than New Zealand.

Q: We are in the Plate in 2006 Rugby Asiad. How do you see the opponents and whom do you think will be a threat for us for the Plate trophy?

Willie: We Have Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Arabian Gulf and China. I have seen all other than the Gulf outfit. Since I haven’t seen much and don’t know much about their strengths and weaknesses so I think they may be a threat but no team intimidates me. By watching a few videos and Singer sevens next month as most these players will be at the Asiad.

Q: What do you want Sri Lanka to be when you leave in 2009?

Willie: Sri Lanka is somewhere in 40’s in the World rankings. I want them to be number 1 in Asia, which will bring them well within 25 in World Rankings.

Q: Are with your family in Sri Lanka?

Willie: Not at the moment. My wife and the three daughters will be arriving before the Rugby Asiad in November this year.