Some rugby referees are corrupt. There are certain referees who sell rugby jerseys to schools at higher cost and these schools buy them just to keep these referees happy in order to curry favours at games when they officiate. Then there are referees who ask for transport when they have to blow in the outstations, even after obtaining traveling allowances from the Rugby Referees Union.
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| The Havelocks rugby team 1980. SLRFU knock-out champions (Standing from left) Ajith Tilakasiri, Sandy Kellar, Mario Rodrigo, C.F. Shiek, Y. Thurainayagam, Hisham Abdeen, N. Surasena, N. Karunatilleke, N. Boteju, M. Sally, Andrew Soosai. (Seated) Gavin Stevens (Secretary), Rienzie Silva, Andrew Vanhoff, Sandy Hamid, Angelo Wickremaratne, P. Julian Grero (President), Frank Hubert (Captain), Marco De Silva, Orville Fernando, Anslem Lawrence, Jeff Rutnam (Coach). |
These allegations were made by Orville Fernando, a senior rugby referee during a recent interview.
Orville spoke eloquently on the game’s administration, the referees’ society, the state of the game at present and at the sad state of his old club Havelocks where they received a severe drubbing – succumbing to a 102-nil defeat against Kandy in the Clifford Cup quarters.
Orville may have found difficulties with his speech over the years with his hare-lip and has been at the butt-end of many jokes. But this is no barrier to the battle hardened rugby warrior. “I take no notice of these things,” he said as he warm-heartedly opened out for the interview.
“I have blown in four Bradby games (Royal-Trinity) and I have walked through Kandy town with my head held high after these games at Bogambara and Pallekelle. I may have made mistakes. I blew for the offences I saw. I cannot be penalized for things I did not see,” emphasized Orville.
Orville turned out for St. Peter’s for the first time in 1974 with stalwarts such as Nimal Jayasuriya and Frank Hubert. 1977 was a memorable year for Orville when he turned out for Havelocks under the leadership of former Isipathana skipper Thajone Savanghan. The side also had players such as former Sri Lanka skipper Anton Benedict and the effervescent Frank Hubert, now settled down in England.
1981 was a grand year for Havelocks where they bagged a triple - emerging sevens, league and knock-out champs and Orville was a busy second-rower in the side winning possession for the side. The side was skippered by Frank Hubert. To celebrate the occasion Havelocks toured Bangkok that year with outstanding success.
Turning on to coaching Orville took on the St. Peter’s team in the 1989-90 season and also had a stint as B Division coach for the Park Club.
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| Orville Fernando |
Havelocks continued on the winning trend being unofficial champions in the 82/83 season and were unofficial champions in 1985 under Rajitha Abeygoonewardena and toured Bangkok that year as well.
He has also blown in the Under 19 Asian Rugby Championships in Hong Kong.
Speaking on Havelocks downfall in rugby during recent times Orville says the main issue is the misappropriation of funds. “In the days we played rugby we had to buy our own jerseys, boots and stockings. I used to make garters from old jock-straps and they caused severe rashes. Everything is found for rugby players these days, even underwear,” pointed out Orville.
He was also sad to note that ex-Havelocks and Colombo Clubs skipper against the Bosuns, Thajone Savanghan had been hospitalized due to kidney malfunction and hoped he would recover soon.
“Now the Rugby Union has some control on referees with Kiran Atapattu as the Secretary of the Rugby Interim Committee. Earlier referees used to officiate at international meets at their own whims and fancies,” said Orville.
He also had a word of praise for Kandy SC’s outstanding success calling it a fine example on how to run a rugby club. |
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