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by DINESH WEERAWANSA

Sri Lanka has regained the services of former New Zealand 'All Black', George Simpkin, who has been appointed Technical Advisor to the Sri Lanka national team for next month's Rugby Asiad in Thailand.

Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union has made the appointment of Simpkin, who functioned as the national coach of China up to last month's Asian Games in South Korea, on a recommendation made by a special four-member committee, headed by Iswarn Omar. The other members of the committee were Michael Jayasekera, Rohan Abeykoon and Wing commander Nalin de Silva.

A man with tremendous coaching and playing experience at the highest level, Simpkin will be assisting Sri Lanka national coach C.P. Abeygoonawardene in Sri Lanka's preparations for the 2002 Rugby Asiad, scheduled for Bangkok later next month.

Sri Lanka has been able to obtain the expertise of New Zealander Simpkin due to the untiring efforts made by former SLRFU President, Malik Samarawickrema, who has played a key role in rugby promotion in Sri Lanka over the years.

Sri Lanka rugby team should benefit immensely from Simpkin, who has also decided to settle down in Sri Lanka. He has decided to quit his duties as national coach of China and have his residence in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Simpkin, who has played for the New Zealand national rugby union team, is a respected and well-known figure in Asian rugby circles and world over. He has also served as national coach of Fiji, Hong Kong, China and some of the top regional teams. His affection to Sri Lanka has been evident during last several years and has been a live wire in the technical functions of the annual Singer Sri Lankan International Rugby Sevens, organised by the Kandy Sports Club.

The SLRFU has secured a team of knowledgeable personalities to obtain services in national team's coaching process. Ajit Abeyratne will be the Director Consultant to the National coaching committee. The SLRFU has regained the services of former Sri Lanka national coach SSP Nimal Lewke, who has been appointed Advisor cum Consultant to the National coaching committee. Tulaga 'Laga' Travita will continue to be the Assistant coach to Abeygoonewardena while four trainee coaches, including M. Marso and Graham Raux, too have been named.

Following the national team's dismal performance at last month's Asian Games in Busan, the SLRFU is determined to make use of the knowledge of these experts to refresh the Lankan ruggerites. Obtaining the services of Simpkin, Laga and Lewke is part of a future plan to uplift the standard of Sri Lanka rugby.

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