We are focused on developing young outfit for centenary year in 2022: CR & FC President

By Shamseer Jaleel

Crossover of rugby players from one club to another has been a major issue in the past. But post-COVID-19, could we see greater player loyalty to the club? 

The pandemic has affected many clubs very badly in their finances through reduced advertising, corporate sponsorships and the shut-down of operations for over four months. Even now, social distancing protocols are mitigating club’s revenue streams. 

This ripple effect has caused a rethink for clubs in regards to player remunerations. Usually, players experienced players demand a one-time or an annual sign-on fee in addition to regular monthly salary in their player contracts. Clubs acting with fiscal probity are seeing this sign-on fee unsustainable in the new normal.  

Consequently, at CR & FC they are likely to lose out on several of their experienced players. It is understood Dinuk Amarasinghe is expected to leave the Red Shirts. Last year’s captain Omalka Gunaratne has signed, although players such as Kevin Dixon and Reza Raffaideen and Janidu Dilshan are yet to re-sign.

Daily FT caught up with CR & FC President and former Royal skipper (1982), Kandy SC, CR & FC and national player Ted Muttiah.

Ted said: “As a result of COVID-19 and the shutdown of the club’s operations for several months combined with the high likelihood of there being no games for at least the remainder of the year, CR with the support of its players agreed to a reduced salary per month. We offered a 12-month’s agreement on the basis that once the season is announced we would revert to the usual salary structures on the premise that club activity would also return to normal. “These are unprecedented times and therefore we counselled the squad that in the new normal, we could not see the so-called sign-on bonus which can range from Rs. 100 thousand to 2 million per player being possible for new/renewed contracts.” The club has made good on its past commitments.

Speaking further Ted said: “The way forward is to develop school leavers and compliment the squad with experienced loyal players than to propagate the seasonal merry-go-round of players shifting from club to club as they seek greater financial returns guised under the sign-on bonus. The player’s expectations are understandable yet the club needs to remain prudent in managing its financial affairs in a sustainable way.”

“The CR&FC has remained transparent and supportive of players throughout these unprecedented times, engaging the players to ensuring additional support as needed was provided specially for players who are the bread winners of the family.”

“Several senior players are confident of securing terms and conditions with other teams at levels prevalent in the pre-COVID environment. As such some may choose not to re-sign with CR&FC. These players have served the Red Shirts well during their time at the club. 

“We are grateful for their services and saddened at the prospect of their possible departure. We certainly wish to retain them at CR. Nevertheless, we respect their decision to explore opportunities they believe to be in their best career and economic interests. They are most welcome to continue with the Red Shirts.”

Ted also said: “Now looking ahead, we are very happy and grateful to the players who have chosen to commit to CR – existing talent and the emerging talent who have joined us this year. Several players from other clubs have also expressed interest to join CR on the same terms outlined post-COVID. 

“CR’s centenary year is in 2022 and we are focused on developing a young, committed team with a desire to represent CR&FC with their heart and soul. To this end, the club rugby administration is of the firm view that our approach and engagement at all levels needs to be recalibrated.

“Indeed, CR is a rugby club first and foremost and we are committed to remaining an integral part of Sri Lanka›s rugby talent pool.” According to sources Dinuk Amarasinghe will return back to Havies after having one season with CR & FC. Former Royal and National sevens player Janidu Dilshan is touted to join Sri Lanka Air Force. Former Joes skipper Rashen Gunawardena and Manilka Ruberu are tipped to join Sri Lanka Police SC. 

Former Havies player Shawket Lahir has already joined Kandy SC. In further speculation, it seems Kandy’s outstanding forwards coach Viraj Prasantha and two to three top class players from the Central Hills team are ready to shift their base to Colombo.