Financial reasons compel 7s champions Kandy SC to opt out of Commanders Cup
Kandy SC has been protecting its players, helping them by providing employment
Defending champions and the only outstation club, Kandy Sports Club is compelled to pull out due to financial constraints from the Dialog Commanders Cup Rugby 7s 2021 scheduled to take place in March at Ratmalana.
The eight-team event will now see only seven teams and the vacant position is likely to be filled up by either a development side or a combined schools team. This will be one of the heavily funded tournaments by sponsors Dialog in the history of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) which spans well over 100 years.
“We would love to participate in this event but due to the current situation financially we are not in a position to spend over 3 million for this 7s event. Further, our sponsors will return when the game is in full swing with the spectators being present for them to get the return for their funds invested which is understandable,” Kandy Sports Club president Mahesh Weerasinghe told the Sunday Times.
“Due to COVID-19 and the quarantine process it’s going to be very tough for the players as they live with their families and their movements are difficult for us to monitor. Further, players’ salaries, coaching staff payments, club administration staff monthly salaries, medical, insurance and travel is a huge burden for us. Further, the last 12 months we did not have any rugby and our gate collection being zero and rugby is the only game the club is involved in. We depend heavily on the sponsors and gate collections which was hampered very badly,” he added.
“We requested for some support from SLR, at least 50 percent. Further some players have found employment and they are under probation at present. So a week back I wrote to SLR Tournament Committee chairman Nazeem Mohamed. We have looked after our players very well in the past. During the pandemic not only here, all over the globe, players are affected by payments. I am sure our players are professional and for the sake of one tournament they will not leave the club but will support us to overcome this situation very soon,” stated Weerasinghe.
Air Vice Marshal and Chairman of Rugby at Sri Lanka Air Force, Janaka Amerasinghe said: “This mega event is arranged for the return of rugby in Sri Lanka after the sport had been adversely affected due to the pandemic. Sri Lanka Air Force is taking the lead to organise the tournament along with the assistance of SLR, approved by the Ministry of Health and Sports. The first leg will take place on March 20 and 21 while the second leg on March 26 and 27. The tournament will be conducted under strict health guidelines set up by the Ministry of Health.”
He said that no team has officially informed Sri Lanka Air Force or SLR that they are pulling out from the tournament.
Sri Lanka Rugby, President, Rizly Ilyas stated: “Preparing for a major tournament during the pandemic for us is always a challenge; the physical and mental strains on the team takes a toll. We simply cannot be distracted by the uncertainty and unfairness of the pandemic. We need to show character and have urgency in all that we do – success this first quarter of 2021 won’t happen without having challenges and remaining focused. We are glad that the Hon. Minister Namal Rajapaksa has acknowledged the Commanders Cup 7s. With the authorities giving the green light and Dialog pledging Rs. 85.5 million as sponsorship to SLR for 2021, I am sure part of the sponsorship will cover this tournament. I am sure the Sports Ministry will give us support with the health authorities on the PCR testing. I would like to thank Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana and his team for making the logistics happen. If not for the Air Force this tournament would not happen.”
“Only players taking part in this inter-club tournament will be within the radar of the national selectors for the national 7s pool and for the 7s High Performances contract for two years,” added Illyas.