Sports - Chang first Lankan to blow at a rugby Asiad final

A large crowd was there to watch the CH and FC – Havies Caltex league match, at Maitland Crescent on July 15. The Park Club, despite fielding a new-look side has made an impact in the ongoing season. However in the second half of this game they melted like ice. CH, won without much ado.

Amongst the spectators was a lonely figure in the pavilion who was none other than the former Havies player and international rugby referee Sen Wei Chang. Soft-spoken Chang, though not a big name as a player, has many firsts to his credit.

S.W.Chang started at Trinity as a juvenile (Under-15). From then on his progress never slackened and he became a keen student of the game. Chang donned the Trinity Ist XV jersey in 1980 playing as Prop., Flanker and No. 8. A self-made player, Chang has had humble beginnings. Todate he has not forgotten his past. He was coached by that outstanding half back, Irvin Howie. Irvin nursed and nurtured Chang to go places in rugby starting at Trinity. Later he joined Havelocks SC.

Chang has had his ups and downs in life. Be it as a player, referee, coach, technical officer or manager. He always maintained the dignity of this manly sport. Later as a referee, he came into the limelight, As a player he had limited opportunities but when he played, he played clean and hard rugby. Whilst officiating in the middle he never condoned dirty play from whatever corner.

Q: When did you start playing club rugby?
A: In 1981-82 for the Havies. It was an Herculean task to find a place in that star studded side.

Q: Who was instrumental in helping you?
A: There are many people to whom I am thankful for all the encouragement and support. Firstly, I thank God, who blessed me with all the talent. Each and everyone of us is given the talent by god which we should make use of for his glory. God’s gift to you is life.

Q: What’s your most unforgettable moment in your career?
A: Quite a few. Some of them have left an indelible mark. I took upto refereeing in 1983. In the first year itself I did the ‘A’ Div. match between CR and FC – Army.

After a long wait I was promoted to ‘A’ grade in 1987. There are two significant instances in my career with the whistle. In 1990 the Asiad rugby final was staged here between Japan – South Korea. I had the distinction of blowing in the final which was the first by a Lankan. I also achieved another milestone when I refereed the highest scored match where Hong Kong beat Singapore 165-15

Q: Now you have called it a day in officiating big games. Any reasons?
A: Yes, when you know that your limbs can’t manage/control the body weight then bow out in grace.

Q: Any reasons how you emerged as a top class international referee?
A: One must possess self-belief, mental toughness, fitness and concentration. When you are at the middle consign to the backyard your personal and family problems.

Q: Referees play a decisive role in the promotion and development of rugby at all levels.
A: Yes. Competent coaches are a must to impart knowledge at grassroots together with an administration with a professional background to structure a plan. Unlike in the past, present –day players in some quarters enjoy a professional fee. They must work hard. Rather than making excuses, even pin-pointing at the Referee. The players must be taught the Do’s and Don’t’s and educate them about the laws of the game.

Q: You have been involved in coaching?
A: Yes. In quite a number of schools. Wesley was one of them.

Q: Anything special besides refereeing?
A: I had the distintion of being the manager of the Sri Lanka Under-19 World Cup tour to Chile. The team was led by Jeewan Gunatilleke. The boys did reasonably well against strong and tough opponents. I learnt much on that tour. Today some of them are regular members of the national team.

I’ve gone through the dark tunnel, achieved success and done my country proud. My advice to the young hopefuls is that in life, success does not come on a platter. Face the challenges. Work hard to achieve success. Maintain the dignity and the spirit of sports. Rugby or otherwise. Today I am something thanks to my parental upbringing and my school teachers at Trinity. Make friends from all walks of life. It’s a team game where all contribute.

At present I coach St. Joseph’s College, Darley Road. The Joes had produced some quality players, namely the late Dr. Hubert Aloysius, Anton Benedict etc. Both played for the Havies.

My passion for rugby since I scrummed down for Trinity is everlasting. Though I am retired from the big league (Refereeing), I will continue to contribute my mite for the game. It helped me greatly. I am thankful for rugby for making me a man, concluded S.W.