Kandy, CR justify pulling out of invitational Rugby Sevens 2021

By Shamseer Jaleel

The Invitational Rugby Sevens organised by Police and the three forces will take place on 30 and 31 October at the Police Park. Already Sri Lanka Navy (3), Sri Lanka Army (3), Sri Lanka Air Force (2), Sri Lanka Police (2), CH &

Kandy SC President  Mahesh Weerasinghe

CR & FC President Ted Muttiah

FC and Havelock will field teams which will total up to 12 where they will lock horns in four different groups.

Defending Sevens champions Kandy SC and CR & FC already have informed their inability of participating in this tournament due to various reasons. 

Kandy SC President Mahesh Weerasinghe speaking to Daily FT said: “Our rugby players last trained in March 2020. We have been out of rugby for the last 19 months. It impossible for the players to be conditioned to participate in a tournament with such short notice. The risk of getting injured is very high. Since the lockdown is taken out only today, it gives us less than three weeks to prepare which is impossible to rush and play and it will risk our players.”

Mahesh speaking further said: “Further due to the pandemic and no rugby with spectators, our sponsors have been temporarily withheld. In this situation the club is facing issues in funding for the preparation. Players involving expenses such as travel, accommodations and medicine are sky high at present. Due to these reasons we are unable to field a team for this event which is the rugby returning tournament in Sri Lanka after a lapse of 19 months.”

CR & FC President, former Royal 1982 skipper and national rugby player Ted Muttiah said: “At CR & FC rugby is at the heart of the club. Throughout the pandemic we have fully supported our squad in many ways. We understand the desire of the game’s stakeholders for a return of rugby in the country. We commend this interest and enthusiasm.” 

Speaking further, Ted said: “Our players’ health, safety and wellbeing is paramount. It’s on this basis the club’s rugby board will consider each opportunity for 

competitive rugby.”