Schools Rugby is nobody’s darling but the players’
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Referees went all the way to Rajagiriya to enjoy a day off with no activities taking place
From within and outside there has been condemnation of Schools Rugby and its Secretary, Denzel Darling choked, hung by his neck. The noose was being tightened by the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU), from within the Schools Section, as well as parents, coaches, teachers, players and the media. This reminds me of a popular folk song “Oh my darling, oh my darling, oh my darling Clementine, you are lost and gone forever, dreadful sorry Clementine”.
One of the popular Rugby songs has drawn inspiration from this American folk song. The Rugby version: “I owe my darling, I owe my darling, I owe my darling Clementine, three bent pennies and a nickel, Oh my darling Clementine. How I missed her! How I missed her, how I missed my Clementine…” and it goes on. “But I kissed her little sister and I forgot my Clementine.” The lyrics of the verses in between are changed depending on whom, where and in what state it is sung.
For Denzel Darling, Secretary- Schools Rugby Football Association, it does not seem there are any kisses to give away and forget the botched School Division II 7s Tournament. It was a frontal attack from within and outside, while questions are raised as to whether he could hold the post in terms of the directives of the Ministry of Education. The question is why they waited so long to check on eligibility. Based on that, he is not from the staff of a government or state supported school. Every brick is used to attack when things go wrong.
He has become nobody’s darling after the slipshod Under (U)-18 Division II Tournament that was to be played last week. Children had come from outstation schools, which, for some, was a maiden outing on to a Rugby field. The inability to get the approval of the SLRFU, resulted in referees not taking the field, and the tournament stuck in a rain-soaked pitch which, for all purposes was in many other aspects a danger to players. Parents, coaches, teachers and players called the secretary who was not present at the grounds, by all names other than Darling.
As usual, it appeared to fill the records that so many tournaments were played was important, and in haste, the approvals required were forgotten. It transpired that the tournament rules did not exist and a last minute submission had several contradictory conditions included. The approval requested was for 7-a-side tournament, while the guidelines heading was for a 10-a-side. Included in numbers did not correspond to 7s nor 10s but, looked to be a 15-a-side requirement. Therefore, the SLRFU did not give permission and with it, the referees refused to take the field.
It has been no secret that, in the past, there was little rapport between the Schools section and the SLRFU. This was always viewed as a stumbling block in the path of development. Today, it appears that, there is a wide crack within the Schools Section, where people who were coexisting are now frowning at each other, while accusing fingers blame all involved in the Executive Committee.
Why was the Schools Rugby calendar extended and still not over at the end of October, especially with most in the U-18 group having to sit for OL exams. The accusation is that they opted to give time for another 7s tournament. This is not a good explanation, as the U-18s who played in the Super 7s were from the top tier schools. Then, what was the problem in the lower Division being played, as these schools were not involved. Was it because it was an opportunity to be seen and to suck?
There are almost a number of issues that have to be sorted out, than improving on statistics or filling the record book. The damage done is more because it is the outstation schools foray into Rugby that has been affected. While the top schools battle at the top level, the dropouts after school is heavy. How many of the so called elite schools’ players keep playing Rugby and play in the national team. While Schools Rugby draws crowds, as in the likes of a ‘Bradby’ alone, it will not help the long term sustenance of the game at national level.
Criticising and being happy by thinking they did screw up without us will not help the game. Nor should the SLRFU think, “this time we have you where we want you,” going to help. It is the game that is important, as Sri Lanka Rugby needs to spread the game. That will help the cause of those who look to buy talent to win, as they have a wealth of talent to select from. Indirectly, it helps the national game, as it is those who come from the outstations who remain in the game. At this stage, what is important is for the schools to get out of the mess. The Education Ministry, the Sports Ministry as well as the SLFRU need to sit and work out a solution. The priority will be the guidelines for Junior Rugby which is played differently by various people.
Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB