Rugby 80 bash postponed

By Trevine Rodrigo
from Melbourne

Rugby 80’s international bash in Bangkok Thailand which was to be held between July 5 and 15 to coincide with the Thai King’s 80th birthday has been postponed for November due to the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France in September.

Rugby 80 President Dilip Kumar told The Sunday Times that some of the participating countries had requested the tournament be put off as it would affect their preparation for the World Cup and the organisers of the Thai tournament has agreed, in order to ensure that maximum interest is generated when the new dates are announced. From Sri Lanka’s perspective the news would be welcome as it will not be a disruption to the domestic season which is currently in full swing.

Some of the teams that will be seen in action at the Bangkok tournament which is reported to have generated tremendous response worldwide will be representative sides from New Zealand, Australia, England, Wales, South Africa, France, Kenya and from Asia, Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka and India.

Sri Lanka will be fielding two teams in the Bangkok tournament and President of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union, (SLRFU), Nimal Lewke told Serendib News in Melbourne that the country will be fully committed to the game’s new concept with a view to gain global recognition for itself.

Sri Lanka’s part in this will be closely monitored as they are viewed as the leadership group for the South-East Asian region and their interest in being a vital cog in future plans and their own development will largely depend on their input and interest towards rugby’s new format.

Rugby 80 Chairman Bob Dwyer is meanwhile pursuing negotiations with Asian Games organisers to include the Rugby 80 format in the Asian Games similar to the Commonwealth Games in a concerted bid to give it maximum exposure and generate more interest from countries in the Asian region who will benefit immensely from the even competition weightwise.