Havelock SC partners with FLYHISPORTS to launch FLYHISPORTS Rugby Academy

Havelock Sports Club launched a fully-pledged rugby academy in partnership with FLYHISPORTS, an Australian-based business entity, to develop the sport in Sri Lanka on 3 July at the Havelock Sports Club premises.

Named FLYHISPORTS Rugby Academy, Sri Lanka’s first internationally collaborated rugby academy, will provide opportunities for the youth to develop their potential through sport.

The participants at the academy will learn the technical, strategic, and tactical aspects of the game to help achieve their sporting or recreational aspirations. This internationally benchmarked program will also help participants develop essential skills like leadership, teamwork, communication, and resilience, which are much needed in today’s dynamic world. The Academy also assures parents and participants a fun, safe, and engaging environment.

FLYHISPORTS Rugby Academy co-founder Cedric Antony said: “As a Sri Lankan by origin and having lived in Australia for a significant period of time, I am cognizant of the ‘Australian Model’ of sports administration and junior development. It has been my dream to replicate some of these best practices to help Sri Lankan youth.” 

“In this pursuit, partnering with the Havelock Sports Club, a premier institution in the local rugby arena, to set up an International Rugby Academy was an easy choice. Our difference is that we will be working with a world-class panel of international and local rugby coaches to deliver an internationally benchmarked program. The facilities and infrastructure will be the best in the country, and our focus is to create a positive impact on society through sport as opposed to mere commercial objectives,” Antony added.

Havelock Sports Club President Rajiv Perera said: “As a club with a rich tradition and unparalleled history spanning over 109 years, we are extremely pleased to collaborate with FLYHISSPORTS in launching Sri Lanka’s first internationally collaborated Rugby Academy. We, as a club, have always been focused on developing the sport and providing opportunities to talented individuals. Hence, we are confident that this academy will benefit the youth of this country tremendously to reach their full potential.”

Globally recognised Rugby Coach Kruger Roach will serve as the Head of Coaching at FLYHISPORTS Rugby Academy. Speaking at the launch, Roach stated that he is looking forward to imparting his years of international experience in developing players from the grassroots to the national level so that Sri Lankan youth can develop their skills and be empowered. He said that the standard of local coaches would also be inevitably improved through this coaching program, which will derive immense benefit to the sport in general.

The Academy is an affiliate entity of FLYHISPORTS, a Melbourne-based brand that commenced its business operations in 2013, catering to the competitive sports and active-wear market. Today, the company has grown to become a reputed brand that is well-known in the Asia Pacific region, especially in Australia and New Zealand, where their products are much sought after.

The FLYHISPORTS Rugby Academy plans to provide scholarships to deserving youth in the country, keeping in line with its impact-driven operating philosophy. The Academy invites parents and youth to join and make use of this academy irrespective of their school or club affiliation so that they can learn and enjoy the finer points of the game and life through an international standard program.