Asia Rugby (AR) has extended an invitation to Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) to conduct two back-to-back Men’s and Women’s Sevens Tournaments later this year.
AR incumbent President, Qais Al-Dhalai has spoken to Rizly Illyas, President Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) and has offered him this window to conduct these tournaments under the local health authority guidelines.
Illyas is to meet the Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa initially to discuss this offer and get his blessings and approval to conduct this event.
Thereafter, he met the health authorities to discuss how they could accommodate this tournament under the bio-bubble environment.
The top eight nations in the region are eligible to compete in this tournament.
“We are extremely honored and delighted to hear the news from our close ally Al-Dhalai who offered us on top of other countries,” Rizly Illyas, President SLR told the Daily News yesterday.
AR is happy with our government’s endeavor in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic so far. We are confident that the Sports Minister who is very eager to restart sports under health guidelines will guide us and grant us the required approval to host this tourney.”
“This window will not only enable us to start rugby but also put Sri Lanka on the world map to show that Sri Lanka is safe for tourists. This will also boost the tourism industry.”
“If everything falls in line, we will conduct the tournament under the bio-bubble environment,” concluded Illyas.
