Former Wallaby Captain George Gregan to greet rugby fans at ‘Bradby Fiesta’

By Devin Jayasundera

Australia’s highest-ever internationally capped rugby player and former captain George Gregan will be the main attraction at the signature event of the 72nd Bradby Shield Encounter, the ‘Bradby Fiesta 2016’.

In light of the rugby star’s visit, the organisers are planning to conduct a coaching master class with the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Association and a scrum-half workshop for A-division school players with the assistance of the Schools Rugby Football Association.

In highlighting the origins of the Bradby Fiesta, Committee Chairman Rizan Nazeer stated that the event was initially conceptualised as a meeting platform for fellowship and solidarity among the two institutions. 

He added that due to the previous success of the festival, it has now evolved into a permanent fixture of the Bradby season and will act as a catalyst for a similar event to be held in Kandy in the future. As the event is coinciding with the 125th anniversary of the Royal College Union, Nazeer ensured it would be a highly-entertaining and a special experience to all rugby lovers.

The festival promises a carnival atmosphere, which includes rugby zones, musical shows and five-star food arcades. The match will be also telecast live on LED screen for fans at the Bloomfield Grounds where the event will be held.

HSBC, the main sponsor of the Bradby Fiesta, will provide an exclusive opportunity for its premier customers for an intimate experience session tilted ‘Breakdown’ with George Gregan.

The first leg of the encounter and the Bradby Fiesta will kick off on 30 April. 

Pix by Lasantha Kumara