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Rugby administrators must be professional - Mohan

By Bernie Wijesekera
Former Trinity Kandy SC CR and FC, Air Force and Sri Lanka hooker Mohan Balasuriya is the present boss of the Sri Lanka Rugby Union. 'Bala' who retired as a senior officer of the Air Force and later emerged as the president of CR and did much for the Longden Place club as an administrator before he took over the reins of the controlling body. At present the game is at crossroads. The most popular among the fans and has a great following unlike other team sports in the past. With the much look forward to schools rugby - "the Blue Riband" - the Bradby Shield. Balasuriya gave an exclusive interview with the Sunday Times about his views to uplift the game. Today the game is played far and wide even among the boys in the rural schools.

Q: Could you please let us have views on the present state of the game ?

A: At the outset I must state what I say is my personal opinion and it does not necessarily reflect a collective view of the Union.

Q: You have said, that rugby must be professional what you mean?

A: Firstly and more importantly the administration must be professional i.e. there must be an adequate staff (professionals), at all levels. It has to be a full-time job.

Q: Where would you find the funds to make it a reality?

A: This is a 'Chicken and Egg situation' we must be result oriented then the money will flow. However a series of commercial funds raising market have been planned and we will be more pro-active in securing investments.

Q: In the International scene our performance has hit rock-bottom in the last year, any comments about this downward trend ?

A: Not to shy away from responsibility nor put the blame on others. One must realize and understand that manufacturing instant rugby players is a Herculean task. It takes time like bringing up child, one can't perform miracles overnight. It take at least three to five years. Last year had to make do with the available talent.

Q: The media in some quarters reported that you said that rugby has been politicized, is that an excuse?

A: I have been quoted completely out of context. I made a brief analysis of the shortcomings of the Sports Law and the contributory results of these shortcomings. Not excuses. I don't believe in mixing punches. Facts are stubborn.

Q: what would you say are the most important factors that restrict improvement?

A: The most important factor is money or the availability of funds. Nobody is going to give funds on a platter. There must be proper marketing of marketable products which is the key factors. Steps have been taken to address this most important area.

The next important factor is the players. Large number of players coming out of schools, find that we are unable to retain them for their continuation. Due to various factors - including clubs and playing fields, Rugby has found its own headquarters after a long wait-thanks to the Ministry of Sports. But still has to find a ground of our own so that we could cater to the needs of the emerging clubs.

Q: How do you plan to address those problems?

A: We have to generate funds through commercially viable options. To retain players we will have to create a conductive atmosphere that will make it worth their while to be in the game, inducements, are many.

Q: Do you have any plans to this effect?

A: Ofcourse - plans have been made and are in the process of execution. It will become a reality before long.

Q: What would be the status of the elected members of the Union in a professional atmosphere?

A: At present all the elected members do part-time work. I see nothing wrong and it should stay that way. They hail from diverse rugby backgrounds and has much to offer. Once a professional administration is in place the members of the Council should be a policy making body. Directing the full-time staff to streamline and achieve its objectives.

Q: Where do you like to see Sri Lanka's rugby place?

A: We have to decide whether Sri Lanka Rugby is to be positioned within our shores-i.e., without any international activity or whether to participate in International events. I believe it will be a tragedy if we try to retain only a national structure and ignore international events. It will be a frog in the well attitude - an easy option for an Island nation. I believe that we should target international events and make avenues for our participation. My fervent hope is to see Sri Lanka participate in the RWC in circa 2011 and 2015 the latest.

Q: Do we have the physical structure?

A: Yes. We have to find them. With a 19 million population and we should have ten percent of them with an adequate physical status.

Quite a number of youngsters are found in the rural areas who have the physique and strength to indulge in rugby. The rugby development committee, headed by Arjun Dharmadasa, is doing a good job. Some of them though not joining the services but still turn out for them. These players without any rugby background has been nursed at grassroots level. They must be offered with gainful employment to be in continuity. The firms could help them. The doors are open for the private sector to play even in the 'Sevens' tournament, said Balasuriya.

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