Sri Lanka rugby boss Rizly Illyas said that the scheduled Inter-Club rugby sevens first leg, might get postponed due to Covid 19 pandemic which has affected the Western Province at present.
Speaking to the Daily News, Sri Lanka rugby president Rizly Illyas said “Frankly speaking the inter-club 7s rugby tournament first leg which was supposed to begin end of this month in Colombo, might be postponed due to prevailing Covid-19 pandemic in the country. In fact we were trying to shift the tournament from Colombo to either Galle, Dickoya or Radella but we are still awaiting the approval from the Sports Ministry and medical authorities. We had a discussion with all the ‘A’ Division clubs but teams like Havelock SC and Kandy SC informed us that at least they need two months preparation period before they can play any major tournament. So SLR has to look into all these problems as well”.
“Actually it's a big challenge, but my team and I are confident, that there will be light at the end of the tunnel”. “My team is very happy to announce that we are working positively to get the inter- club under 24 tournament going. We are also happy that some sponsors also have come on board and are having the final discussion with them and they are also very keen to see this taking place because no inter school rugby or inter club rugby is being played at present in the country due to the Covid 19 pandemic. So I am very positive about this under 24 tournament will take place very soon. At least the rugby loving public will be happy because we are going to give them a rugby tourney to witness after a very long wait”.
“Also we are very positive and believe that the Sports Ministry and the medical unit will grant their approval to conduct the tournament. The authorities should provide PCR tests 14 days before and after and we can go ahead. If the concern is Colombo then we can play in Galle or Dickoya or Radella behind close doors and we can bring virtual spectators via Zoom for the games. We need to use the technology guidelines and common sense to maximize safety and go ahead with the approval for the tournament. Sri Lanka has been lauded as the second best country in the world in controlling Covid19 and we are living in a magnitude of self inflicted fear. We need to step out of this fear of not playing any game, the winner should be the sport and the game. I am keeping my fingers crossed and the game should go on “concluded the Sri Lanka rugby president Rizly Illyas.
