Holman to help rugby players
By Bernie Wijesekera
Sri Lanka rugby could be a force to be reckoned with in the Asian region,
said Nathan Holman, the IRB accredited coach, who is here on a ten-day
mission, to further help develop the techniques.
Nathan, was interviewed by The Sunday Times, while he was helping in
the Company of Rugby Union President, Cmdr. Harsha Mayadunne, helping the
national squad's training at Longden Place, last Tuesday (Feb. 19).
"The players are mustard-keen. They are prepared to learn the latest
techniques. The forwards and backs are good and indulge in running rugby.
I was assigned by the Int. Rugby Board to assist the national coach
here. Besides to help local coaches, too to develop their techniques. Had
a seminar for the provincial coaches and technical advisors which proved
a success. Liaison officer B.K. Ramachandran, assisted me and was at beck
and call.
Have you played top rugby in Australia? Started playing as a junior
(Under-16). Represented the Schools Under-19 and 21 teams in Queensland.
Played for East Club (1st Grade) as a front-row forward. There is tremendous
competition among the clubs in Queensland. How old are you? 29 years. At
present I am a Level 3 (Aust.) coach. Nathan, is attached to the Queensland
Rugby Union, as Accreditation and Development Manager in South Queensland.
I really enjoyed my stint here and will be, delighted to come back again.
The people are very friendly and most helpful at all times. The SLRFU gave
me all support in my endeavour to help develop rugby to make further headway
here said Nathan. He left on February 21.
Royal -Thomian Soft ball under lights
The annual Royal Thomian Colts softball cricket match which is to be played
under lights for the first time will be held at the NCC Grounds on March
2 (Saturday) at 6.00 pm.
All Colts and Stallion members are invited to be present at this match,
which is expected to be a thriller.
Long felt need fulfilled
The Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union's aspiration of having a headquarters
of their own has been fulfilled after a long wait.
This has become a reality due to a personal interest taken by former
Minister of Sport, Lakshman Kiriella. It will be ceremonially opened today
(Feb. 24) by the present Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Johnston
Fernando at Reid Avenue. At race course in the past it had a rugby ground
- the CH & FC when the club was dominated by expatriates.
Minister Fernando in an interview with The Sunday Times, said that his
Ministry has planned to give a playing field, too to cater to the needs
of rugby especially for training of the national squad. It will serve the
new clubs to surface and help them to train at this venue.
Minister said, it will also help football too. At present the football
clubs have to solely depend at the Sugathadsas Stadium. This venue will
be for dual purpose - rugby and football. He said, at present the Rugby
Union had to depend on clubs like CR& FC, CH& FC and Havelocks
SC for their training. They had to run from pillar to post . Once this
become a reality they will have a playing field too.
After the opening, the union held their AG.M at 10.30 a.m. at the new
headquarters. -B.W. |
