The proposal brought forward by Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) head Asanga Seneviratne, to postpone the forthcoming Inter-Club Rugby League tournament till November has been demurred by a majority at the council meeting on Friday (27).
Seneviratne, who gave the initial salvo to give the topic some pre-publicity, raised this suggestion at a press conference held last Thursday (26). Seneviratne told the press that he would draw the attention of the council members to postpone the club rugby season of 2012 to November stating it would help the players sustain their playing form prior to international assignments.
“I want to see this change in rugby so it will enable national players to be at their peak form for the international season.
The whole idea to change the schedule of the domestic rugby season was totally mine and I will propose this at the council meeting on Friday,” Seneviratne told reporters on Thursday.
But the much exposed statement of Seneviratne had very little support at the council meeting.
According to rugby sources leading clubs which had contracted coaches as well as players, both local and foreign, were not in favour of this unexpected change. Kandy Sports Club, Upcountry Lions, CR & FC, CH & FC as well as Army Sports Club had been in favour of the tournament to go ahead as planned earlier.
They had expressed objections as the point was too late to change their plans, as well as the commitments. But Air Force Sports Club and Police Sports Club who have so far not contracted any foreign or local players with all being employees had hinted that adjusting to the change would not be a problem. However Navy Spots Club and Havelocks Sports Club were of the opinion that they can accommodate the change.
With many not in favour of a sudden change, the club rugby league will now be played as planned.
But it is also learnt that a decision is still pending on having the second round of the league tournament closer to the proposed period which eventually will fit into the international calendar. It is highly anticipated that the club rugby league for 2013 will be played in October or November. |
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