Rugby 2006 in retrospect

By Vimal Perera

Relax, turn and look back to the year 2006. What has rugby done and or offered to its major stakeholder-- the rugby fan. This is an important aspect to look, as we review last year's performance. It is true that we have raised our standards to a higher level in the Asian circuit after our wins at the Rugby World Cup qualifying round games. We have managed to be reckoned through our performance in the Singer Kandy Sevens. Yet the end of the year was disappointing. The performance at the Asian games in Doha as well as the Junior Asiad at Taipei has not been very encouraging. How much of publicity or newspaper space was given to what was happening to Sri Lanka abroad. Very Little I would say.

The important thing is to take stock and review as to what has been done to improve spectator interest.

Does the average rugby fan talk about what has been happening or does he whisper and debate as to who should take over the running of the Sri Lanka Rugby Footfall Union. I do not think they are interested.

Rugby is yet a popular game and has a large following that may be only second to the one-day international cricket tournaments. The important thing is to take stock and review as to what has been done to improve the spectator interest.

It is the interest of the spectator that keeps the game alive, which also keeps the sponsors up and kicking. This spectator interest competes with many other sports as well as various others activate to gain the leisure time of the people. If we are to keep the game going and the spectators happy there is a need to look after their interest. The spectator interest has been growing. We proudly acclaim that there has been a growth but what has happened to expand the facilities to accommodate such attraction. As clubhouses and the fields reach spectator capacity is there anything done to improve to accommodate the growing numbers. Is there a need for the development of the amateur mindset to a more professional one? Think about it.

Another area the need to be addressed is whether the spectator gets value for his time and money spent watching rugby. Did the last format of last year’s tournament produce more entertaining rugby among equal's teams than them being forced to watch one-way traffic?

Is there a need to allow foreigners to play in the domestic season? One may argue that this would lead to key positions being filled by the expatriates while no opportunity exists for the locals to excel in these slots. Valid argument one would say. Yet if the inclusion of foreign players would give the spectator greater value, then it has to happen. If Sri Lanka cannot produce a sparkler in such positions such as a "Fly Off "or a brilliant "Number Eight" why not adorn the game with material from outside. Given the qualifying criteria, if such players continue and meet the eligibility conditions the national team too would benefit. That is where we have to set our eyes on. To achieve it one needs the spectator and the sponsor. There may be decisions to be made in the next rugby season while learning from last year.

What should we do to improve youth rugby as we get along with the main focus to give the spectator the excitement he comes for? The game in Sri Lanka is good and attracts the sports public to watch rugby. Yet at a competitive level in Asia we have a lot more to do. What role has midi and mini rugby got to do in this? Mini rugby while attracting the young to the game will also enliven interest among the parents. This in turn will lead to greater spectator interest. The promotion of the game at the mini level is being done. The question is how well is it done and how well are they coached.

Dharmapalge Nimal, the man with a humble beginning refereed the final at the recently concluded Junior Rugby Asiad played in Taipei. We should be proud of this achievement. A great achievement one might say considering that his background does not include playing the game. Are we ready to accept reality that the referee is number one in the tournament bringing pride to Sri Lanka while the team falls to seventh place? Or do we sit back and discuss his background? Rugby is a game that is spreading and not confined to a niche. The achievement of Nimal is therefore worth the praise.

The challenge for next year will be to improve on what has been done during the last year and to continue to improve on it. This is not a time to sit and despair but to count on the gains. To all coaches, officials, rugby lovers and readers my wish is that you have a safe and joyful festive season and a rugby filled 2007.