The rugby season has started with Police and Army Inter Division/ Regiment matches. The Police played on a Ten-a-Side format over two weeks and the final round was played in Kurunegala . The purpose of the event was to see the talent that could lift Police to the levels of the past where they were the best. They can be very happy with what they saw and can be developed. The team from Vavuniya stood out from the outstation teams and stood tall as they battled teams more close to the rugby fields. There was a team from Monergala who had little exposure but played in such fashion that they seemed to understand rugby. There was a six footer who could not only out jump but had speed that could out run.

This is a window of opportunity to take the game to rural areas. It was interesting to talk to the police top brass in the outstations as they related how they created interest in the game. Some had played games such as volleyball and had the athleticism that was needed. The interest can be used to promote the game by having more events that will help stay in the game and be prepared for the annual event.
The army organized the inter-regiment matches on a 15-a-side format which is ongoing with around 40 matches scheduled to be played in Diyagama. The talent is raw but with potential good as they look fit and athletically bent. Army has been a strong force in the lower C division tournaments with around 12 teams from far areas playing rugby in the provinces.

The schools rugby season is expected to kick off on March 3 with the Under-20 Division 1 Sevens. The Division 2 Sevens will be played in Rathgama on March 17. The Division 1 “A” League is expected to commence on April 21.

The first week will see traditional rivals St. Peters and St. Josephs meeting in the first match. Other first week matches include Trinity playing last year’s giant killers Science College. Royal taking on debutants DS while Isipathana will play Vidyartha. Kingswood and St. Anthony’s will round up the matches for the first week. The match between St. Joseph’s and St. Peter’s is a traditional match and a trophy game. Coming as the first match is like playing the Bradby, the Blaze Trophy, the Gunaratne Trophy or any other shield game as its opening match. What if the Royal-Thomian, Ananda-Nalanda or the Joe-Pete cricket match has to be played as the first match of the season?

The schools season will be a thrilling affair and will have uncontested support of the spectator as there is no clash with the club season. The game will have its moments of tension as there has been a few cross over that will that will be looked hard with the expression “You left us.” The horse trading as I have come to understand is not over with last minute overtures continuing. What is bad is that this puts the young player under unnecessarily stress with one school approaching and another refusing the release. The change of the school or “poaching” is inevitable but it should not be at the expense the child whose life is more important than the trophy .

Sri Lanka will have a date with the Asian5Nations division one which will be played in Philippines. Sri Lanka Play their first game against Chinese Taipei on April 15. This will be followed by a match against Chinese Taipei on the 18th and Philippines on April 21. The Philippines who have been climbing the ladder will be at strength with American-Philippines making the team.

Sri Lanka has to come on top of this group if they are to get back to the Asian5Nations. It will not be easy meat. Lanka will require the best team to leave the country which means that all clubs must put their shoulder to the wheel and release as well as encourage the players to do their best for the country. Englishman Phil Greening has been appointed as the National Rugby Coach. Greening’s service will be utilized at an expenditure of Rs 20 million for a two year contract. Greening was the former coach of English Premier League team Bath and was also assistant coach to English National Sevens. He will be assisted by Sanath Martis. Martis will in addition be the National Development Coach. At least we know who will be there next year and also who he will be with.

The next step with two individuals in office is to build a structure that will sustain training and development and continue to build the player base that is needed. The structure that I mention here is not that if the Provinces which have been in the system for over two decades. The structure is that of coaching and development. Seen the Police and Army tournaments there is talent around the country that needs sustainable development.

* Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB