SLR skips Rugby Asiad
Sri Lanka is engaged in a heavy 7s calendar in 2018
Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) has formally announced its decision not to take part in the upcoming Asia Division I Rugby Championship, scheduled to take place in Manila, the Philippines in June. Lately Sri Lanka has been focusing more seriously on the 7s format of the game whereas the Island Nation annually engages in only the sanctioned 15s tournament by Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU).
Reports revealed that SLR is planning to dump in more of its focus and effort on the heavy international 7s calendar where Sri Lanka is fully involved in throughout 2018. SLR Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Priyantha Ekanayake, speaking to the Sunday Times, however explained that the 7s commitment is one of the reasons but that is just one of them in the list of qualms.
“There are only three countries involved in the Asian Division I Championship besides Sri Lanka with others being Singapore and hosts Philippines. But so far the organisers have failed to confirm the dates and venue of the competition, and the lack of a sponsor for the tournament is delaying the process,” Ekanayake stated.
According to Ekanayake, SLR has firmly decided to forego the Asian Division I Championship after serious consideration on many facets.
“Philippines are not in a position to host the competition due to financial restrains, and they are looking at possibilities of moving the competition to Singapore, which is still undecided. With all these not helping Sri Lanka in anyway, the SLR decided to put its full effort on the 7s format, where there is medal prospect in one of the events,” he added.
The former Sri Lanka national cap stated that withdrawing from the Asian Division I competition will however not affect the World Rugby standings in a big way. To make it up of what they will be missing in the 15s, Ekanayake stated that Sri Lanka is looking at playing a few friendly internationals, which will help boost the rankings and the national 15s side.
“It is highly unlikely that Sri Lanka could gain momentum at the Commonwealth Games with top 7s countries in the fray. But we are certain of a medal at the Asian Games, and we are fully focused on that”.
He explained that the ongoing Commonwealth Games will be a good ground to gain exposure en route to the Asian Games and the three-legged Asian 7s Series, where Sri Lanka is aiming to finish off overall winners.
“SLR is planning to send the 7s team for Paris 7s with plans of giving our players further exposure prior to the two important competitions. This will happen in mid-July and the team will remain in Paris for one week while playing friendly fixtures against top teams there. We are also looking at the possibilities of taking the Women’s 7s team along to Paris,” Ekanayake revealed.
Last year Sri Lanka beat the Philippines and United Arab Emirates in the Asian Division I competition but lost the decider against Malaysia, which would ensure a slot in the Top Tier of the Asian Championship. Despite the absence of Sri Lanka, the Asian Division I contest would likely proceed with the two remaining teams — Singapore and Philippines.
The Sri Lanka 15s, who have earlier won the Asian Division I competition twice in 2013 and 2015, are currently ranked 41st in the world. Last year’s Division I champs Malaysia, Hong Kong and South Korea are contesting in the Top Tier.