Rugby HQ goes to Havelocks

The International Cricket Council (ICC) for eons was situated at Lords in England. It was only in the recent past that the ICC shifted its headquarters to the United Arab Emirates. Similarly Sri Lanka’s governing body the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) is set to move from its present location at Reid Avenue to Havelock Park come the month of September.

President of the SLRFU Nimal Lewke speaking to The Sunday Times said; “The only sticking point as it were now is the fact that Havelocks have got only a ten year lease from the Colombo Municipal Council. We want either a 30 or 50 year lease. I am confident that we can get it and once that happens we will begin construction on the first phase which we hope to start on June 1 and finish in three months. Like the Sinhalese Sports Club is known for having the governing body for cricket, Havelocks will be known as the home for rugby.”

He added; “In the first phase we plan on building the union office, a hostel, conference hall, a restaurant and of course the VIP lounge. We have just finished redoing the ground itself which cost us nearly half a million rupees. The reason we chose Havelocks is because it is a very popular club and has a large fan following. In addition lots of families come there and yes this will probably mean that Havelocks after years will be one of the main contenders for the league, knockout and sevens trophies.”

When asked about the reasons for the shifting of the headquarters, Lewke said: “There are many reasons. We have celebrated over 100 years of rugby in Sri Lanka and yet we do not have a hostel to house players when we are preparing for an international tournament. Instead we spend millions on hotel accommodation for players. The money we save from having a hostel can be used for the development of rugby instead. Having a hostel, restaurant and conference hall are basics which is why these facilities are part of the first phase. In addition having all the players staying together in close proximity to where they will train is also helpful.”

He added; “You also have to take in to consideration that we have two major international tournaments towards the end of the year namely the Asian Championship and the Youth Asiad. With regard to the latter we have appointed two scouting committees as were. One committee will closely monitor players from the Central and Wayamba provinces. And the other committee will look after the rest. We really want to win the Youth Asiad. We just missed out last year.

That is why we are going to have two provincial tournaments for schools this year. One tournament will be for the Under 20 age group and the other for the under 16 age group which will act as a feeder system for the under 20 group. I firmly believe we have the size, talent and skills to be the best in Asia. In addition I believe rugby is the most popular sport in Sri Lanka. As opposed to other sports there are large crowds for any school or club match. We have already spoken to Singer who has agreed to sponsor a foreign coach to assist our youth team.”

When asked about the second phase, Lewke said in conclusion; “As soon as the first phase is complete we will start on the second phase which amongst other things will include a fully equipped gymnasium, an office for the physiotherapist and an academy for referees. Everything I have stated is needed for Sri Lanka to progress in rugby. Right now though we are concentrating on getting the first phase done.”