NZ Academy and CR to discuss potential partnership
Tikiri Ellepola, the President of CR&FC, discussed a new initiative with David Pine, the New Zealand High Commissioner for Sri Lanka and Maldives, aimed at benefiting rugby in Sri Lanka. Mr. Pine who was presented with an honorary membership by CR&FC, pledged support for the club and Sri Lanka through a collaborative exchange programme with the New Zealand Rugby Academy tailored to athletes’ needs based on age and experience.
“It’s an initiative we at CR&FC willingly committed to, being the home of rugby in Sri Lanka. This is a project that should have the caretakers of the sport, Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) should have initiated and triggered. But since there’s none at SLR to make a solid decision, we as a responsible and reputed club, thought, why not make the first step,” remarked Ellepola.
If discussions between CR&FC and the New Zealand Rugby Academy go well with Mr. Pine as the mediator, the potential benefits for Sri Lanka are significant. The project aims to offer exchange opportunities for Sri Lankan players and referees, fully sponsored, and involve New Zealand experts conducting training programmes for players of all ages in Sri Lanka.
“It will be a huge programme, if all fall into place,” he said. “We are not only talking about players here, it’s also about coaches, trainers, referees and all stakeholders of the sport. Through the exchange programme Sri Lanka could see players and referees from New Zealand contributing to our competitions as well”.
The Minister of Sports, Harin Fernando, was present when the New Zealand High Commissioner pledged full support to enhance rugby in Sri Lanka through his country’s rugby academy, operating training centers in Ireland, England, France, and New Zealand. The New Zealand Rugby Academy offers comprehensive programs for athletes to enhance their rugby and individual skills with top coaches in a safe, enjoyable, and stimulating environment in premier rugby nations. They collaborate with leading rugby schools and clubs worldwide, including CR&FC.
At a special event held at its club house in Longden Place last week, Mr. Ellepola presented the membership card to High Commissioner Pine in the presence of its Executive Committee members and other dignitaries, including David Traveller, the New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner and Sri Lanka High Commissioner Designate to New Zealand, Prasanna Gamage.
CR&FC made an initiative to offer foreign diplomats of rugby playing nations with honorary memberships three years ago according to Ellepola, who outlined the importance of working in cohesion with top ranked nations of World Rugby.