Wednesday, 26 June 2013 00:00
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The Hisham Abdeen Rugby Football Academy better known as HARFA will conduct its fourth annual Rugby Extravaganza on 6 and 7 July at Havelock Sports Club grounds in Colombo.
As a new addition to the demanding annual sports event of HARFA, the organisers have decided to include a veterans over-35 ‘Evergreens’ seven-a-side tag rugby tournament.
HARFA Director Coaching Abdeen, said: “It was a long-intended plan of HARFA to field an over-35 veteran’s tournament after requests were made by many to invite former national and club players. I look forward for this segment of the event as it will be an ideal platform to share camaraderie among past legends. This will also give opportunity for the youngsters to mingle around with some yesteryear greats.”
HARFA was formed in December 2008 as a result of a long-time dream of Abdeen’s after a long 28 years since entering the national rugby arena as a player.
Abdeen represented Sri Lanka from 1980-1988 and again in 1993 and has represented both Zahira and Isipathana colleges before entering the club circuit for Havelocks and CH&FC as a flanker.
Along with Abdeen, six former players, including Marco de Silva, Tony Wimalasuriya and Kamal Jayawardena have joined in as coaching assistants while two national women players, Horesha Fernando, Rukshani Ariyasena and Ruwani Deepika help out with the coaching of the girls.
The rugby academy, since its inception, has helped many schools, clubs and even the national grid by contributing its players.
During the past five years HARFA also has been engaged in many activities related to rugby and rugby development.
Abdeen stated that attractive awards including prize money would be on offer to the winning and runners up teams.
“The rules followed would be according to the standard seven-a-side tag rugby format. Those who wish to field a team could do so before 15 June by contacting Marco de Silva on 0774676954, Kamil Hadjie on 0777383424 or M. Z. Rahuman on 077 3475147,” Abdeen added.
