Habana blown away by young Sri Lankan rugby talent; shares ‘‘Priceless’’ views

By Darshana Abayasingha

Former South African rugby star, Bryan Habana, is in Sri Lanka with Priceless experiences by Mastercard, alongside the Webb Ellis Rugby World Cup, and Habana says he wants to return to Sri Lanka despite the time it takes to travel from his home in Cape Town.

Speaking to the Daily FT on prospects for the Rugby World Cup 2023, Habana says Ireland are the best team in the world on paper at the moment, and remarks it is incredible to note that two of four big teams – New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, France – will not make it to the semi-finals by virtue of the draw. The 2019 World Cup was the best ever so far, Habana says, but 2023 promises to be just as exciting.

Habana participated at a number of events in Colombo with Mastercard, showcasing the Web Ellis trophy, and will make a brief visit to Kandy during his stay. 

He said it was great of Mastercard to bring the trophy to Sri Lanka, which serves as a sign of excellence, hard work, dedication and sacrifice; which just eight men have held the honour of holding aloft. Habana said former Sri Lankan cricketer, Mahela Jayawardena, had shown him some videos of Sri Lankan schools rugby five years ago, and he was “blown away” by the talent and passion displayed by players. The former South African Vice Captain, who holds the joint record for the highest number of tries in World Cups, said it was interesting to “catch a glimpse of what (Sri Lankan rugby) could be”, and that it would be great to cultivate hopes that one day Sri Lanka  could cultivate hopes of a world cup environment.

I know there are political difficulties with the Sri Lankan federation where things may not be at optimum at the moment, but when I saw that clip rugby five years ago, I couldn’t believe it. I believe the values are there especially in the school boy environment and at club rugby level. It is interesting that that passion doesn’t go past the 25−year age limit so to speak; so that’s probably to do with administrative difficulties. But I understand the passion and pure enjoyment for the game that is great to see. It would be great to see more being done by the administrative bodies. There was participation at the Commonwealth Games last year, and that’s a great opportunity every four years on a global stage, but it is also what happens in between those four years and it’s a process that needs continuous growth,” Habana avers.

The South African rugby star and 2007 world cup winner was in Dubai recently, and will fly to New York for his next engagement with Mastercard and Priceless, as part of a programme to take children from under-privileged sections and teach them the skills and values around rugby to make them into better citizens. The programme monitors their progress, and similar programmes take place in destinations across the world. 

“It is really special how Mastercard has made an impact. I think it is important to engage at an elite level, because that is where the bulk of viewership and awareness comes in. But for brands to have a core focus and involvement and grassroot development is important for any sport. Mastercard is tuned into that which is very special. 

“I think getting more people to have true experiences that money can’t buy; and lots of companies are trying to offer such a niche once in a lifetime opportunity that sets things apart. That ability to install pure raw emotion to inspire people and instill hope is great. That is what Mastercard does with rugby, football or golf and that is great,” Habana adds. 

- Pix by Lasantha Kumara