CR kick off centenary celebrations in grand style

CR and FC President Ted Muttiah (third from left) addressing the media during CR and FC launch centenary year Sept. 2022 - Sept. 2023 in Colombo while (from left): CR and FC Centenary Committee Secretary Zuiker Hamid, CR and FC Centenary Committee Chairperson Jehan Canagaretna, CR and FC General Committee – General Secretary Jakque Diasz and CR and FC Tournament Committee Chairman Dilroy Fernando looks on – Pic by Ruwan Walpola

By Shamseer Jaleel

Ceylonese Rugby and Football Club (CR and FC) celebrating their centenary year, had its first Press Conference and Coffee Table Book launch at the Club House at Longdon Place last week.

The book with limited edition was titled “Tackling Change CR and FC 100 years” with the club’s inception dating back to 1922. 

The first edition of the Centenary Book was handed over to Club’s senior-most skipper honorary life member Past President and one-time fastest man in Asia Summa Navaratnam.

Speaking, CR and FC President 1982 Royal Skipper and former national rugby player Ted Muttiah said: “This is a remarkable journey not only for CR and FC but also for Rugby in Sri Lanka. Club was founded in 1922 by Col. E.H. Joseph. 

“The Book “Tackling Change” provides an excellent account of this wonderful journey. A true testament to how the club continues to stay true to its funding charter and relevance within the community despite the evolving socio-economic operating environment over the century.”

Ted said: “CR was the first rugby club to offer female membership, giving the women voting rights, female on the general committee. We had a simple start but today nearly 12 sports are facilitated at CR and FC.”

He thanked the sponsors who came forward during a tough time.

The Centenary Committee Chairman Jehan Canagaretna speaking said: “Centenary calendar of events starting with the Coffee Table Book, International Rugby Sevens (Men’s and Women’s) along with the school’s event, Christmas celebrations, Rock on the music festival, Scrum and Tackle Dinner Dance and Curtains down on the centenary year”.  

He also thanked the four sponsors, NDB, SAGT, Nawaloka School of Higher Studies and Colombo Logistic. Centenary Rugby Sevens Chairman Dilroy Fernando speaking said: “When we initially had the meeting on this matter in 2020, we had different ideas, once in two months we had meetings, in the end, we decided to have an eight -A-division clubs along with four women’s team and invite two to three women’s team (India, Thailand and Indonesia) for this event to give colour.  “We did not want to invite teams from Japan and Hong Kong as their standards are way higher than ours it will not create any competition.”

Dilroy speaking further said: “We will invite 10 schools’ teams namely, St. Thomas, Trinity, Zahira, Wesley, St. Anthony’s, Royal, Joes, St. Peter’s, Isipathana and Science. We might increase with another two later on. Referees from Sri Lanka and Asia Rugby will officiate the three days event which will be top-class rugby.” 

He ended by saying the first day will be a school event, and on the second-day club (men’s and Women’s), the last day will have the knock-out matches played for Cup, Plate and Bowl segments. Teams will be provided with meals and water, and spectators will have free entry and entertainment for all. We will have another meeting later this year.