New SLR president to focus on 7s rugby with eye on Olympics

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By Editor_1
The office bearers and council members of the SLR after being elected at the annual general meeting
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By a Special Correspondent

COLOMBO – Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) President Rizly Illyas pledged to take the sport to new heights, after taking over as head of one of the oldest rugby unions in Asia, with a history that dates back to over 140 years.

“Our team is confident that 2021 would be the year for change, innovation and excellence. We will develop our game of rugby so that all rugby enthusiasts in Sri Lanka and Asia will be able to cherish the joy and excitement of the game,” he said after taking over office.

Former CH&FC and Sri Lanka player Nazeem Mohamed will take over as SLR Deputy President, while his team mate Jude Dimithri will be the new General Secretary.

Rear Admiral H.A.U.D. Hettiarachchi was elected Vice President and Dinesh Perera Treasurer. The Council members comprise Fazal Mohamed, Roshan Deen, Jeevan Goonetilleke, Pradeep Basnayake, Pavithra Fernando, Neranjan Abeywardana, Bandula Mallikarachchi and Dr. Samantha Nanayakara‎.

“My top priority is to create an inclusive community for every person who is involved to have a voice and be heard. We must build our capacity to collaborate and embrace meaningful change. Change is the way forward. Organizations that do not embrace change become obsolete. I am committed to change and we will start this process by engaging everyone in creating an innovative and growth mindset. This will include not just the players but also for coaches, referees, provincial councils, universities, schools, etc. There is no better time for change than the current uncertainty we are faced with due to the global pandemic,” declared Illyas, a former Petersons third row forward who has served in various capacities in rugby administration.

“I want to make a change in the system and work very closely with all the stakeholders. We will implement new strategies in our sevens and fifteens rugby,” said the former secretary of SLR, who made changing the format and structure of domestic rugby tournaments as his main priority.
“People only tend to look at the top tier but we will also nurture and develop our talented young gems at all levels to bring about change and success. We will bring life back to the B division, U24 and U21 tournaments as they deserve our attention. We also want to see our men’s, women’s and youth national teams do well and we will ensure the teams are supported and well prepared to compete in the Asian Rugby tournament,” he said.

“From this year the new funding review may also ensure additional funding to most Clubs and Provincial Unions. We will offer special assistance to some clubs and provincial unions to help navigate extreme difficulty. This help will come with stringent requirements,” he said declaring in his manifesto of setting up a Rugby Foundation by implementing article 12 of the SLR constitution whereby “the council shall establish a foundation called as Rugby Foundation to obtain its expertise and services to uplift the game of rugby, generate funds and ensure good governance”.

“Through our Rugby Foundation Program, we will aim to capture the long-term benefits for rugby and harness the interest in our game to have more people coaching, playing, refereeing and volunteering. Under my leadership I would ensure that SLR would work closely and cordially with Provincial Unions, Clubs, Schools and all stake holders for the betterment of rugby in Sri Lanka,” said Illyas who served as Deputy President of SLR previously.

He plans to focus on sevens rugby, having a vision of qualifying for the 2024 Olympics in Paris and winning a medal at the 2022 Asian Games.

“Sri Lanka rugby has a very good opportunity for a silver/bronze if we plan and prepare accordingly. We were fourth at both the 2014 and 2018 Asian Games and lost by just two points in both matches to South Korea and Japan. After a shortened inter-club tournament, there would a series of sevens tournament, after which a full time squad would be selected. This squad would be under a professional set up under qualified head of High Performance and world class trainers with the focus on the Asian Games. This squad would be given exposure not only in the Asian circuit but also in other tournaments outside Asia,” he said.

Currently Sri Lanka Tuskers, as the national team is known internationally, hover in fifth place in the both 7s and 15s.

“We will aim to improve the standing to second place in 7s and third in 15s within three years. We will continue to participate in Asian international 15s and a 5-10 years plan should be put in place. We will implement a programe to identify Sri Lankan origin overseas based players to help make an impact in Asia like Japan and other top rugby nations,” he said.

The domestic league tournament is to be shortened to align with the national sevens programme.

“In the short term I propose to shorten the A division league to only one round and play the knockout trophy and then move for a series of 7s inter club tournament with prize money and a chance for champions teams to play overseas. This is to help players get much needed exposure,” he explained while stressing the need to move ‘A’ division matches to 6:00 p/m.

“The offer to CR&FC in 2014 to install lights with 50% funding provided by SLR and the Sports Ministry will be activated immediately. It is crucial we move A division matches to 6:00 p..m and come up with a professional marketing plan to create revenue and bring back fans to the matches. There would be more focus toward formulating teams in the B & C divisions through the A division club with financial assistance offered through SLR,” he said.

“We will provide assistance for the B and C division teams through the increased sponsorship fund that will be generated with our sponsorship drive. In the past several clubs from the provinces took part in the A division rugby tournament conducted by SLR. Unfortunately due to finances, these clubs could not sustain its present in A division. We would make all endeavours to ensure at least two clubs from the provinces would participate in the A division in the next three years,” he said.

Among the decisions taken at the AGM was to induct 11 former players and officials as Life Members of SLR. They are Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Goonetilleke. S/DIG (Rtd) Nimal Lewke, Rear Admiral (Rtd) Harsha Mayadunne, DIG (Rtd) M.H. Marso, Asanga Senevirathne, Priyantha Ekanayake, Kishin Butani, C.P.P. Abeygunawardena, Mohan Samarakoon, Cicero de Fonseka and Arjan Dharmadasa.

Another special moment during the AGM was that Sri Lanka Rugby honoured the service of late George Simpkin who had been an inspirational coach and mentor to many young players in Asia and in Sri Lanka.

Asia Rugby President Qais Al-Dhalai in a message said: “Congratulations to my dear friend Mr Rizly Illyas on being elected as President of Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union. I have no doubt that under his leadership Sri Lanka Rugby will go back to the golden days and reach even greater heights‎.”

-ENCL

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