Barbarians here for two games

By Harry Jayachandra

There is great news for Sri Lankan rugby fans. The Asian Barbarians have confirmed that they will visit Sri Lanka. President of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) Nimal Lewke speaking to The Sunday Times said; “The touring team will be here from October 14 to 20. We are hoping to have two matches – one in Colombo and one in Kandy against Sri Lanka’s National team which will be in training for the Asian Division One Championships that will be held in November in Taiwan.”

He added: “some people have the notion that the Asian Barbarians consists of players who just get together to go on a joy ride. On the contrary there is rigorous selection and training programme before the team embarks on a tour. The International Rugby Board (IRB) and Japan are funding this whole process. We only have to host them.” “This is a fantastic opportunity for Sri Lanka.

In addition to playing two matches against the National team, the Coaching panel of the Asian Barbarians which consists of some the best coaches in the region – will do a programme for our Under 20 team who will take part in the Youth Asiad that starts in the first week of November. The panel will also conduct a training programme for our women ruggerites and they will do another programme for our coaches,” said Lewke in conclusion.