Asia Rugby (AR) made a donation of 40,000 US dollars to Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) during what has become a difficult period due to the Covid-19 pandemic to meet administrative costs.
This was revealed by the president of AR Qais Abdullah Al Dhalai at a briefing of the media held at Hotel Ramada on Monday (25).
“Rugby is the second most popular sport in Sri Lanka and it needs to re-start no matter the many challenges faced in the country. Many other countries in the world too face this problem but I am sure with the wisdom of the SLR president and his committee rugby in Sri Lanka will get on the right track,” said Qais Abdullah.
“Sri Lanka rugby has performed well in the two formats of the game and on a previous occasion Sri Lanka even qualified for the World Sevens Series. I hope Sri Lanka will be on the track again,” said the AR president.
Abdullah was on a two day visit to Sri Lanka during his trip to member countries that he is compelled to do as the head of the regional Association.
He met Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa the following day to obtain his support to keep the game going in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Rugby arranged this media briefing to announce the partnership of a new sponsor in Moose Clothing company who will support the Sevens rugby team only for the Asian Sevens Championship to be held in Dubai next month.
The selection committee headed by Asoka Jayasena will pick a squad of 20 players to the pool after the Warriors Cup tournament that kicked of at Police Park yesterday.
President of SLR Rizly Illyas also announced the recruitment of specialist Sevens coach in Englishman Ben Gollings for a short period of one month.
Illyas also said that Moose Clothing readily accepted his invitation to support the Sevens team at a time when Sri Lanka is beginning to emerging out of lock-downs and economic hardship.
Hasib Omar, the Executive Director of Moose Clothing Company said that they looked to support cricket but thought why not support rugby to reach higher levels.
“I have been a cricket fanatic but to support any sport in the country is our goal. When Illyas came with the idea, we thought why not support rugby this time,” said Omar.
“My main focus is the coaching of the team, players and management. Hopefully, in a short term I believe we can make an impact with the best possible way of preparation for the tournament,” said coach Gollings.
“I really enjoyed the time I had in Sri Lanka a few years ago, and now I got an opportunity to come back and be a part of that,” added Gollings.