Ben Gollings tipped to coach Sri Lanka Men’s rugby outfit

Ben Gollings set to take over as the Head Coach of Sri Lanka Mens sevens outfit

Fazil to assist Ben in Sevens rugby

By Shamseer Jaleel

Nilfer to assist Ben Gollings

Saliya Kumara to coach Women's in Sri Lanka

Sujani Assistant to Saliya

Former England Sevens sensation for over a decade of playing in the shorter version of the game for England, former Director of Rugby and Head Coach of Sri Lanka (2012), China and Singapore Ben Gollings is expected to take over the Head Coaching role of the national Men’s outfit in the shorter version of the game. All these appointments are subject to salary discussions and effective date confirmations which will be done shortly.

Ben who is no stranger to rugby sevens played for England nearly 12 years scoring over 2,500 points in the World Sevens Series. He played at two Rugby World Cup Sevens and three Commonwealth Games plus won three Hong Kong Sevens for his team. Ben was in charge of the national sevens outfit in 2012 nearly 10 years back when players in the calibre of Fazil Marija and Saliya Kumara were involved as players will support him with the coaching duties.

Fazil and Nilfer to assistant coaching roles

Two former Kingswood College and Kandy Sports Club products Fazil Marija and Nilfer Ibrahim are expected to take over the assistant coach of the national sevens outfit to Ben. 

Fazil, one of the best in Asia played for the Randles Hill school in early 2000, made his national debut while he was a school boy against the visiting Hong Kong outfit at Nittawela. He played for the national outfit for more than 10 years in both form of the game and at present the Head Coach of the defending league and Clifford Cup champions, Kandy Sports Club.

Meanwhile his cousin, Nilfer Ibrahim was involved with the Randles Hill team during 1996 to 1998 and later on played for Kandy SC and ended his rugby career at Navy SC. He was also in charge of the Trinity College, Kingswood College, St Joseph’s College and Isipathana outfits.

Saliya to head Women’s outfit

Former Vidyartha, Trinity and Kandy Sports Club player and former Women’s sevens coach Saliya Kumara is tipped to take over the coaching stint of the Women’s outfit. He played for the national outfit in both forms of the game and coached the Trinity Juniors. He is expected to be assisted by CR & FC Women’s head coach Sujani Ratnayake.

All these five appoints will be made in the near future after the discussion with the respective coaching staff on their availability, effective date and salary payments.

Sri Lanka Men’s and Women’s outfit is expected to feature in the Asia Rugby Sevens series which will take place in UAE during November.