The goal posts have moved
View(s):The Asian 5 Nations match against Korea is history while the chronicle added another record against Hong Kong yesterday. We have two matches left against Japan in Japan and Philippines in Sri Lanka. It is a tough ask to remain in the first three for the 15s Asian Series. The system has changed where there will be only three teams in the top competition; the goal post has shifted. The quixotic advice that was professed at various forums was that Sri Lanka should concentrate on winning against Philippines and not waste men and material playing with Japan and Hong Kong. The thoughts expressed were an obvious exchange of fire without knowing the ground situation. We have to head to the drawing board and plan for the next three years of 15s rugby. This should have included consideration of the non nationals playing in the local tournaments who can be used under the IRB eligibility criteria. It is a matter of developing skills and techniques and methods that will help us fight the might of Asia.
It is no doubt a fact that we have a good structure for rugby at the schools and also that there is a wide attendance and participation which might be one of the best in Asia. What then happens to these numbers that are? While the game draws a lot of attention and 
interests, it is a question as to whether the output is the best material for the next process. This rages in my mind when you look at the interest that is shown on the referees when it comes to a game; both before and after. The panacea in the minds of most is represented in the chant to kill the referee. This has spiraled to take the shortcoming forward but has left holes on our ability internationally. Take Korea who pummeled us and are challenging for a slot in the first three. The match officials there have found almost no slots among the top referees in the Asian Panel. Neither are there a clamour for other country match officials but they do play rugby that is matched among the better teams in Asia both at Junior and national level. All these apart what is ahead for rugby in Sri Lanka? It does not look good for the 15-a-side game on the immediate short run and the future need to be mapped. The game is not lost for Sri Lanka as we have the 7s here we have performed well. We were Plate champs two years in the running but have to do a lot of home work if we are to remain at least where we were. Here too the road is rough as news reaches of a strong preparation in China to be represented in almost all sports at the Rio Olympics which includes Rugby.
The world of Rugby is creating space and it was announced that Super Rugby will be reaching 18 as SANZAR announced the 2016 expansion. The two teams it is speculated will come probably from South America and Asia. There is considerable speculation and interest in Argentina, US, Singapore and Hong Kong to form a Super Rugby franchise. According to Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver “Our strong preference is for the 18th team to come from Asia as we believe this will attract significant commercial opportunities for us in the future”. He also said that the plan, which has been ratified by governing body SANZAR, gives Super Rugby “the potential to become a truly global competition”. His New Zealand counterpart Steve Tew told reporters that discussions were already underway with a number of credible bidders for the new franchise. The new competition structure would see two regional groups, South Africa and Australasia. The South Africa group would feature the five current sides from that country as well one additional South African side, the Argentinean side and the 18th team.
Japanese Rugby Coach Eddie Jones is reported saying “Rugby is booming in Asia so any decision other than a Japanese team to complete the list of Super 18 sides for 2016 would be ridiculous”. He went to say “Super Rugby expanding to 18 teams, potentially with a team from Asia, is great news. As Japan’s national coach, I am in Manila preparing the team for Saturday’s international against the Philippines as the next step on the road to 2015 World Cup qualification”.
With major world companies including Toyota, Suntory, Panasonic, Toshiba and Canon plus rugby-loving corporate bosses in Asia the right financial support will not be issue. The Japanese national side, supported by marquee Pacific Islander players, is how I see a new Super Rugby side. Hong Kong has a strong rugby history and massive government support. I could imagine a game or two of Super Rugby being played there but the team would still be the Japanese team Jones explained.
Where does Sri Lanka stand as the World of Rugby and Asia is moving forward, if not playing Rugby otherwise by being a host nation where there is a value for the Rugby tourist? There is an absolute need to look ahead and plan as we have a Rugby loving public that can draw a sizable crowd. If we go the way we are more interested in the dots and the commas. Rugby may have to live on the “Dole” that is handed out; enough to live for the day but not adequate to enjoy life.
Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB