Land Rover and Martin Corry to help Yoshitha Rajapaksa develop schools rugby

Wednesday, 7 September 2011 01:13 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

An exciting rugby development programme is to be introduced to schools in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province in an initiative by Frontier Automotive, sole agent in Sri Lanka for the iconic British motoring brand Land Rover.

The programme will utilise the knowledge of Martin Corry, former England rugby captain and will be spearheaded by Yoshitha Rajapaksa, Captain of the Sri Lanka Navy rugby team in his capacity as Brand Ambassador for Land Rover.

Martin Corry, who was in Sri Lanka this week to train with the Navy rugby team at the invitation of Frontier Automotive, visited the D. A. Rajapaksa ground at Beliatta in Tangalle with Yoshitha Rajapaksa and representatives of Frontier Automotive to launch the programme.

In its first phase, the Land Rover Schools Rugby Development Programme will introduce the game to 100 children between the ages of 10 and 15 from eight schools in the Southern Province. Five rugby coaches from Colombo, who accompanied the visitors to the launch of the programme, were advised by Martin Corry on how to structure and run the programme.

Besides securing the support of Land Rover, and through Frontier Automotive the involvement of Mr. Corry, Yoshitha Rajapaksa has also pledged to canvass the support of Navy Sports Club and other interested entities to expand the programme and provide needy southern schools with coaching resources.

A similar programme for schools in the Northern Province is also envisaged at a later stage.

“Land Rover is synonymous with rugby internationally, and has extended its interest to Sri Lanka by becoming the Principal Sponsor of the Navy rugby team,” said Sheran Fernando, CEO of Frontier Automotive (Pvt) Ltd. “The Schools Rugby Development programme is a valuable expansion of our commitment to the growth of the sport in Sri Lanka.”

“Besides being a sport that fosters fitness, courage and team spirit, rugby can also help children gain admission to better schools and secure gainful employment in later life, making this programme multi-dimensional,” he added.

Frontier Automotive has been the sole representative in Sri Lanka for Land Rover and Ranger Rover since 2003 and is also an active promoter of local motor sports.