| All
coaches must work for the betterment of the game -Grant
By Bernie Wijesekera
"I had the option. I could have gone
to Europe to coach a club team. But I opted for Sri Lanka, because
of its friendly people and surfing beaches. Its unfortunate, that
tsunami hit the country. But my fervent hope is that they will be
back on their feet before long" said, Grant Dwyer the CR and
FC rugby coach in an interview with The Sunday Times. Grant, is
here on a two-year contract from Queensland. It was its former hooker
C.H. Seneviratne who made Dwyer's trip to Sri Lanka possible.
Grant
played for the Queensland schoolboys, Under-19 and for Brisbane
Broncos. He is still fit at 32 to play. He was a "Coaching
for development officer" for Queensland rugby for the past
six years. He is also a Level II coach of the Australian Rugby Union,
currently preparing for a Masters in Applied Science, Human Movements
and sports coaching.
Dwyer
said "Seneviratne, inspired me to take up CR's coaching. At
present CH is the president of the Territories Referees, Association.
The Australians are too keen to help Sri Lanka on and off the field.
There are many fund raising activities to the tsunami cause. I would
like to do some community service with my fiancé who is here
with me".
Q:
Did you see CR and FC playing?
A: Yes. At the recent rugby Western Province 7s I saw
CR in action. They are a very young side with an average of 22.
Quite fast and totally committed. This future of CR rugby holds
good.
Q:
During your stay what is your vision and the role you are going
to play?
A: I see my role as part of the big picture. This is to
do my part as a club coach, which means, getting the CR players
stronger, faster, fitter and more skillful for the national cause.
All coaches need to work for the betterment of Sri Lanka rugby.
I
am not here on a holiday, but to contribute for the development
of the game. My aim is to win the league title. But if we fail we
can give no excuses. Winning and losing is not the thing, but to
produce quality players from CR to the national squad,.
Q:
Are trophies more important than the game?
A: No. Everything is forgotten after the long whistle.
Play for the right reason for all to enjoy - that too in the correct
spirit.
Q:
You may have gauged the squad by now. Any comments?
A: I feel fortunate to coach a very young side, with some
seasoned and experienced players. Skipper Pavithra Fernando, strongly
built, Asanga Rodrigo, Walpola (the hooker), Nawaz etc. The young
brigade consists of Rajitha Jayasundera, Pushpakumara, Dilan Abeygunawardena
and couple of others. They possess - good rugby brain. They are
prepared to learn.
Q:
What do you think about the key factors for development?
A: 1. Teaching the skills at grassroots level, in competition.
2. Nurturing schoolboy rugby. 3. Getting a transition of players
from school to clubs - 100 schools. To accommodate them there should
be at least 10 to 15 clubs. There should be more Under-12 and 24
tournaments for them to indulge at competitive level. This is a
"must" if the game is to develop.
In
Australia there are 100s of clubs and every school is indulging
in rugby. Given facilities and playing opportunities for them after
leaving school even at district level. Dilip Kumar a former Sri
Lankan - at present a key official in the ARU will assist in your
endeavours. Sri Lanka could make an impact in rugby in Asia, provided
they work on a proper structure. Nothing is impossible with a concerted
effort.
Q:
Anything special noticed during your arrival?
A: Since arriving, the rugby fraternity has been, extremely
welcoming. I must thank them for their loving kindness all round.
I also thank CR and FC for giving me the opportunity to come here,
to coach and experience the local scene.
In the process I have become tall and set my sights in helping the
red shirted team to make a scarlet red impact in the coming season.
The
squad
Props: Shameel Mohamed, D. Boteju, L. Abeysuriya, Hookers: Anuranga
Walpola, Viraj Prasanna, Locks: Roshan Perera, Sandun Dharshana,
A. Karthelis Ssitha Perera, E. Swarnatilleke (prop/hooker) Suranga
Swarnatilleke (No. 8/hooker), Flankers: Pavithra Fernando (capt.)
Imesh Wijewardena, S. Nawaz (No. 8/Flanker), A. Fonseka, S/Halves:
Zulki Hamid, Champika Nishantha, D. F. Abeysekera, Fly Halves: Roshan
Peiris, Asanga Rodrigo, Charit Kodagoda, U.A. Hettiarachchi, Centres:
Rajitha Jayasundera, Haren Kaluarachchi, Dilan Abeygunawardena.
Wings:
Kishin Musafer, M. Mustaq, R. Wagodapola, M. Rinaz, Hamesh Gunaratne,
Anushka Perera, Fullbacks: Bhanudeen, D. Pushpakumara, Dinuk Wijeratne.
Manager: Rohan Chintaka. |
