Rugby Refs and Trinity hold talks
There were action beyond the field on March 26 at Havelocks
The decision taken by
Sri Lanka Society of Rugby Football Referees’ (SLSRFR) to abstain from officiating school rugby matches, has been reversed following a meeting between SLSRFR and Trinity College. The meeting had taken place on April 11, and SLSRFR President, Dinka Peiris told the Sunday Times that his team is convinced with the outcome of the discussion and will resume officiating school rugby games.
”During the cordial discussion, the participants gave serious consideration to all areas of concern and on and off-field causes that lead to this unacceptable incident. The members present identified all instances and individuals that brought the game of rugby to disrepute, which prompted the SLSRFR to temporarily suspend officiating at games anticipating the actions taken by Trinity College, Kandy.
The Principal of Trinity College, Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara, explained in detail the efforts they have taken and the SLSRFR committee was pleased with the restorative interventions taken by Trinity. Both parties emphasised the need to promote the game of rugby and take all measures to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future and ensure the safety of match officials at all costs,” a joint statement issued following the discussion said.
The meeting was held in connection with the post-match physical assault on match officials which took place after the Cannon De Saram Trophy Rugby match between S. Thomas’ College and Trinity College, on March 26 at Havelock Park.
The high-octane game ended making the Thomians victors by 17-14, but the losers Trinity, breaking traditions and the legacy they build over the years as a well respected school rugby team in Sri Lanka, lost all their credentials in a matter of minutes. The President of SLSRFR, Peiris, recalling what transpired after the game, where the referee Isuru Perera and touch judge Nuwan Lakshan were manhandled and assaulted by Trinity supporters, stated that rugby referees would prefer to stay out of school games, until justice was served days after the game.
Later young female supporter and a middle-aged male were accused of manhandling the said referees after the game, and they have been summoned to the Narahenpita Police Station after complaints lodged by the two victims of the assault. Footages of the assault began circulating in social media platforms and other sources, minutes after it occurred, show both the accused female and male acting violently, donning clothing similar to Trinity College colours.
The accused female who is said to an older sister of the Trinity vice captain was granted police bail for assaulting referee Perera, and the male who is believed to be the father of the player who played in the flyhalf position, too was summoned for an inquiry. Both accused have been asked to produce themselves to the Colombo Courts, where the cases are yet to be heard separately.
“A court case in relation to the post-match physical assault has been filed against the alleged individuals by the Narahenpita police on behalf of the SLSRFR. This will take place as a separate issue in which SLSRFR will keep a close eye on, but stay independent because it’s a legal matter. But the outcome of it will be very important to the future of rugby referees with regards to officiating school games. As for now, we are convinced with the assurance by Trinity and the outcome of the discussion,” Peiris stated.
“Hopefully, this joint effort will send a clear message to the players, school officials, spectators and all other stakeholders of rugby that any such behaviour is not accepted in any sport or society. However, the SLSRFR committee proposed have a meeting with Sri Lanka Schools’ Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) prior to any future tournament on the need to establish clear guidelines to prevent incidents of this nature. A firm commitment from all stakeholders on the safety of officials was also emphasised as a pre-requisite, as the current suspension of activities by SLSRFR, was only a provisional decision anticipating restorative measures,” the joint statement further said.