Sevens Rugby players in the dark

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lankan Rugby Sevens players are caught in the dark as the Asian Games 7s tournament outfit’s participation is in doubt due to Rs. 22 million required for the tour is yet to be released by the Ministry of Sports.

SLR had already written to Secretary of the Ministry of Sports K. Mahesan for the cost of the 15 members touring squad. Sri Lankan outfit is expected to field the 12 members team plus three officials already named for the tour who will come under National Olympic Committee (NOC) watchful eyes. 

SLR is suspended and awaiting World Rugby (WR) final decision and so far no sponsor has come forward to support the team for the oval shaped ball outfit for the shorter version of the game. 

Chatura and Soori not available for tour?

According to sources both Chathura Seneviratne (CR and FC) and Srinarth Sooriyabandara (Kandy SC) had written on their unavailability. Srinarth is tied up with the Antonians as their Head Coach and they are expected to lock horns in the Knockout rugby which is expected to go on till mid-September while Chathura Seneviratne is expected to join his wife in England who is on higher studies. If these two players pull out the National Selections Committee under Sudath Sampath will be able to name 2 players from the original list of standby.