Kandy to pull out from Nippon Clifford Cup Knock Out Rugby 2023

Defending league champions with SA rugby legend Bryan Habana

By Shamseer Jaleel

Unbeaten defending League Champions, Kandy Sports Club is to pull out from the Century plus year old Clifford Cup knock out rugby tournament 2023 as their request for Nittawela Rugby ground for their three games of the knock out encounters were turned down by Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR).

Kandy Sports Club Secretary Sujeewa Liyanage told the Daily FT that: “The last time Kandy Sports Club played their home games and had the final at Nittawela was in 2017. That was 6 years ago. It’s no use in playing at Pallekelle as we get only about 100 to 200 spectators whereas at Nittawela one could expect a sell-out crowd of more than 5000 including schoolboys. 

“If there is any intention by SLR to promote Rugby in the outstations then the matches must be played at Nittawela if Kandy comes into the final.”

Sujeewa said: “While Kandy team goes down to Colombo 6-7 times a year the Colombo Clubs come up only once and only 3 teams will have to come up twice if Kandy is in the Finals. This year the team travelled 4 weekends in a row to Colombo. 

“Apart from financial constraints it’s a severe strain on the players traveling up and down, staying away from home, and playing in hot and humid conditions. Is it too much to ask from SLR? Or is SLR only interested in promoting Colombo Clubs because the votes are there?

“The fact that Kandy has won the league 23 times and lost only 5 times since 1994 and we have won the Clifford Cup 22 times since 1992 and have lost only twice up to now, shows the commitment of the players and coaches and that the Club has looked after the well-being and health of the Players. “All this success has been achieved overcoming many obstacles, and interference during the past. The conduct of the Kandy Players and coaches have been exemplary all along, with strict discipline being maintained by Management.

“Having the Clifford Cup without Kandy is like having a carnival without lights. Kandy players and fans are really disappointed the way the only A division club in the country gets step motherly treatment from SLR,” Sujeewa opined. 

Though several attempts were made by Daily FT to contact the Tournament Committee Chairman of Sri Lanka Rugby, Nalin de Silva who was unavailable for comments.

SRI LANKA RUGBY DRAW

24 February 

Kandy SC vs CH and FC

Police vs Navy SC

25 February 

CR and FC vs Navy SC 

26 February 

Havelock SC vs Air Force SC

Semi-finals: 1 and 2 March 

Final: 5 March