Dialog Inter-Club Sevens to go ahead: Ilyas

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka Air Force Rugby Chairman Janaka Amerasinghe

Sri Lanka Rugby President Rizly Ilyas

The Inter-Club Rugby Sevens 2021 powered by Dialog Axiata will go ahead either this weekend or next weekend, according to Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) President Rizly Ilyas. 

Speaking to Daily FT Rizly said: “The logistics for the Air Force Commanders Cup 2021 Tournament was organised by the Sri Lanka Air Force until they pulled out at the last moment. The pulling out of three teams, Kandy SC, CH & FC and CR & FC took place in February 2021. 

“We are committed to move forward and will never let down the five clubs and the 75 players turning out for practices, sacrificing their time for rugby. Rugby will come back after one year and the event will go live on Rupavahini. We are very sorry that we cannot allow spectators in due to the current health regulations but will not deprive them from watching the live action on TV.”

Rizly ended as saying: “SLR has taken emergency steps to take the tournament forward with a new title name and await confirmation from sponsors Dialog. Daraz will come in as the co-sponsor of the event.”

Five teams have confirmed their participation, with some of the teams fielding two teams; a total of 8 will be accommodated. The game will now move away from Ratmalana to one of the Colombo venues, most likely to be the Royal Sports Complex.

Air Force Rugby Chairman Janaka Amerasinghe speaking to Daily FT said: “Our 70th anniversary Commanders Cup Rugby Sevens 2021 seven-a-side tournament will be postponed due to the strict health guidelines and the current situation in the country does not give a good background to re-start rugby. 

“Due to the COVID-19 situation, around the country rugby was stopped for nearly one year. To re-start rugby, Sri Lanka Air Force will closely monitor the situation on COVID-19, and will conduct the Commanders Cup Rugby Sevens 2021 on a later date with all the teams participating in it.”