Clifford Cup returns after 2 years lapse

Club Rugby League and Clifford Cup will return this month 

By Shamzeer Jaleel

The much-looked forward Century plus years old Clifford Cup knock out rugby will return to play after a lapse of 2 years due to COVID pandemic. Soon after the completion of 2 weeks league encounters the winner will be known with the defending champions, Kandy SC remaining unbeaten with Havies following them very closely in number 2 position.

The Nippon Paint Inter Club ‘A’ Division League Rugby Tournament will resume on 14 May with Kandy Sports Club locking horns with CH and FC at Race Course rugby ground and the second placed Havelock Sports Club hosting the Cops at Havelock Park.

The final week’s matches will see CH and FC hosting Police at the Race Course rugby ground. Even two wins for CH will not give any opportunity for the Cup. The championship decider will be between the defending champions, Kandy SC and Havelock Sports Club at Havelock Park which is expected to be full house.

Once the completion of the League the Clifford Cup knock out encounters will take between the top 8 teams with Kandy SC likely to play their matches at Nittawela Rugby Stadium.

As the Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) suspension will be in forced only for the Asia Rugby conducted tournaments. This will allow SLR to send teams for Commonwealth Rugby Sevens and Asian Games sevens both comes under National Olympic Committee (NOC). 

WPRFU to conduct Sevens

Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) will organise a seven-a-side rugby tournament for all Western Province teams.

It will also give the clubs to have a look on these young players and to get them into their squads in order to represent them for the 2022/2023 season which is expected to commence in November.

Former Police SC fly half and national player, Nizam Jamaldeen will be the Chairman Tournament Committee WPRFU Nizam Jamaldeen and the tournament is expected to take place on 16 May.

There will be also an Under 21 and Under 24 Seven a side tournament which will be arranged by the WPRFU later this month to identify the youngsters. Roshan Deen the former Peterite and Havies player is confident in getting some good sponsorship for this event. 

Sports Ministry Officials no show at courts

 The writ application was taken for the support the petition was taken but there was no appearance for the respondents Ministry of Sports current or former Ministers. Court will hear the case on 12 May. Case was filed by Sri Lanka Rugby for suspending them without checking in detail.