HSBC A5N Division One Tournament to kick off in Sri Lanka

The HSBC Asian 5 Nations Rugby Tournament, representing the highest level of international Rugby in Asia, is scheduled to kick off the Division One tournament in Sri Lanka on the 31 March 2013.

The announcement came at a press conference held in collaboration with The Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) and the main sponsor HSBC and team sponsor Dialog Axiata PLC.  Sri Lanka along with the other Division One countries; Chinese Taipei, Thailand and Kazakhstan will fight it out to enter into the final round for the prestigious HSBC A5N title. The Tournament will occur at the Havelock Park grounds, on 31 March, 3 and 6 April 2013, respectively.  HSBC believes that their vision and values coincide with the game of Rugby as it brings the brand to life through the excitement and shared passion it creates. With a network of 80 countries, HSBC recognises how Rugby can help bring people from different backgrounds, communities and cultures together. Hence, the Bank is committed to helping Rugby evolve from its current standing through a long term plan.

Nick Nicolaou, Chief Executive Officer for HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives, said: “Apart from hosting the Asian 5 Nations (A5N) Rugby tournament in Sri Lanka for the second time, HSBC has been very supportive of developing the game in the country. We are keen to grow the sport that fits well within our global strategy and hence, we are happy to bring the HSBC Asian 5 Nations tournament to a local venue such as the Havelock Sports grounds. We believe this will create a great opportunity for talented players to compete against the best in the Asian region and showcase their capabilities.”   As part of HSBC’s worldwide support for Rugby, 12 grass root coaching clinics will be conducted to further nurture the talents of students island-wide. Over 5,500 students are expected to participate in these clinics which are to be held from 30 March to 1 April 2013.

As the governing body for Rugby in Sri Lanka, the SLRFU has taken the initiative of creating a serious culture of Rugby in Sri Lanka. The Union has set forth to do so by spreading awareness of the game to all corners of the country, opening new doors and expanding the horizon of rugby. Asanga Seneviratne, President of the Sri Lanka Rugby and Football Union, stated: “During the HSBC Asian-5-Nations Division One tournament in Sri Lanka, the SLRFU has arranged many activities in the city as well as in the Provincial Unions (Suburbs).”

The Grassroots coaching clinics will be conducted in Colombo (Western Province), Galle (Southern Province), Jaffna (Northern Province), Trincomalee (Eastern Province), Ambilipitiya and Ruwanwella (Sabaragamuwa Province), Anuradhapura (North Central Province), and Kandy (Central Province).

“We have also made arrangements to bring school children to watch the three days of rugby and students will be given free tickets to watch the Rugby matches. The Union has also arranged many functions with a carnival atmosphere and after-match functions on all three days at the Havelock Sports Club. The main aim of the Rugby Union is to ensure the National Team at the A5N Div.1, will get promoted to the Top Division in 2014. The Union wishes to thank our National Team sponsor Dialog Axiata PLC and Kukri the official Kit Sponsor of Sri Lanka Rugby. ”

The tournament consists of six individual divisions with 26 countries participating with one team promoted and one team relegated from each division annually. It is the Top 5 nations of the ‘higher order’ that compete for the prestigious title of HSBC A5N Champions.

“This partnership that we have formed with the SLRFU, allows us to build on and consolidate our successful association with premier Sri Lankan Sporting events,” Amali Nanayakkara, Group Chief Marketing Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC said. “The sponsorship reinforces the Company’s long term strategy, commitment and support to uplift Sri Lankan sports to compete against the best on the international stage. Last year has seen considerable growth in the popularity of the game with the conclusion of an exciting and successful domestic season as well as international success that has been garnered by our sevens’ squad. As the national team sponsor, we are proud and indeed privileged to stand behind our team as they take to the 15-a-side game on home turf in the hope elevating Sri Lankan rugby to greater heights.”

Dialog is closely associated in developing school cricket, athletics, football, rugby, volleyball, rowing and disabled sports, and has sponsored national contingents to international events including the Olympics, Paralympics, Commonwealth, Asian, SAF and FESPIC.

The HSBC Asian 5 Nations tournament offers a much needed opportunity for national teams to play competitive rugby at an international level. This clearly shows the underlying commitment that HSBC has towards expanding rugby participation in countries and territories across Asia.   The HSBC Group has had varied sponsorships around the world including, Hong Kong Sevens Series, new Asian Sevens Series, British and Irish Lions, Waratahs Super 15 team in Australia, Penguin International Coaching Academy and the Cobra 10s tournament in Malaysia.

Tickets to the matches will be available at SLRFU and at the Havelocks Sports Club. For further details you can visit srilankarugby.lk. HSBC will offer its Premier and Advance customers invitations to all matches. For more details customers can log onto www.hsbc.lk.