Club Rugby to kick off with Commanders Cup

Monday, 11 January 2021 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sevens rugby to kick off in February 2021

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa

Air Marshal Sudharshana Pathirana

Rizly Ilyas

Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR), headed by Rizly Ilyas, has put up a magnificent proposal for the game of rugby

football make a comeback after the handing off by COVID-19. The Commanders Cup Sevens 2021 will be worked off in February at the Air Force ground in Ratmalana. Kandy SC will defend their title at this tournament, which will see the eight leading clubs locking horns in the shorter version of the game.

SLR proposal is a comprehensive one, which looks workable and in line with the recently concluded Lanka Premier League (LPL). Each club will be allowed to field 15 players and five officials at this event, and a number of PCR tests are to be taken within the period.

No spectators will be allowed for the game while all matches will be telecast live through a leading channel. Clubs, too, will have the responsibility with strict home quarantine, using only personal/club transport and no public transport. Three PCR tests are to be done and the negative PCR reports are to be submitted to SLR.

SLR, too, will do additional PCR tests before the commencement and during the tournament as well. In case any player/official is detected with COVID, they will be removed from the tournament and a replacement will be allowed from the remaining players and officials.

Speaking to Daily FT, SLR President Rizly Ilyas said: “SLR is in no way in a race to get rugby back on its feet without the blessings of Minister Namal Rajapaksa and the authorities. Getting back into training is like oxygen to the players, coaching staff, sponsors and fans.” It was stated that the right conditions would be met and all involved would be educated through workshops to put things in order.