Invitation Rugby Sevens on 30-31 October; Kandy opts out

 By Shamseer Jaleel

An Invitational Rugby Sevens will be worked off among the leading six clubs in the country. 

Sri Lanka Police, Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Air Force, CH & FC and Havelock SC have already confirmed their participation for this event, which is scheduled to take place on 30 and 31 October at the Police Park. Kandy has opted out, and CR too, is tipped to be out of this event.

According to reliable sources, each team had been requested to field two teams, and so far the four forces outfits have confirmed the participation of two teams, while Havelock SC and CH & FC are likely to field one team each. Both Kandy SC and CR & FC have declined to take part due to various valid reasons. 

All approvals from health authorities has been gained, in addition to the maintenance of the bio-bubble and constant PCR testing. 

Games are very likely to be conducted behind closed doors, but a live telecast is on the cards through a leading TV channel. CH & FC outfit is likely to be housed at Welisara, while Sri Lanka Air Force is set to be housed at Ratmalana. With the Asia Rugby Sevens 2021 reduced to a single leg in UAE on 19 and 20 November, this event could be the yard stick to select the touring squad, and they are likely to get only two weeks together.

Kandy Sports Club, the defending league and Sevens champions, had written already to the organisers, informing them of their inability to participate at this event. 

Mahesh Weerasinghe, President of Kandy SC said: “We are out of rugby for the last 18 months and it’s impossible for the players to train and fit for the tournament within a short period like one month. The risk of injuries is very high. Further still, the country is under lockdown and players are unable to train till October 1.”

Mahesh speaking further said: “Further, our sponsors have temporarily withheld funds. Due to these reasons, expenses involving player’s expenses, medical and travelling is an impossible task at present. Due to the above reasons, we are unable to participate.”

Former Fiji Skipper Setefano likely to coach

Former Fiji Sevens and Navy SC player Setefano Cakau is tipped to take over the coaching role of the national sevens outfit with Fazil Marija and Nilfer Ibrahim to assist him. 

Earlier, former England sevens sensation Ben Gollings was to take over, but according to reliable sources, he is very unlikely to make it as presently he is in Australia. Gollings earlier coached the national sevens team a decade ago along with China and Philippines. Meanwhile, Saliya Kumara will be in charge of the Women’s outfit.

Japan and Hong Kong doubtful starters for Asia Rugby Sevens 2021

Japan and Hong Kong are very likely to skip the November leg of the UAE event at the Asia Rugby Sevens 2021. They are yet to train as a unit and are left with not much time before the event kicks off in less than two months.