‘Ironman’ Nalin to prop services rugby

Dinesh WEERAWANSA

Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) Interim Committee, headed by Dr. Maiya Gunasekera, plans to launch a massive talent search to obtain an active contribution from Defence Services.

In an exclusive interview with the ‘Daily News’ Dr. Gunasekera said the three services - Army, Navy and Air Force, along with Police, could play a key role in improving standards of the national pool.

The Sri Lanka rugby chief said the services and Police are rich with rural talent and endurance. “Considering their physique and staying power, we could easily groom a good pool from the Defence Services. Then we need not depend heavily on the clubs to feed the national pool,” he said.

Dr. Gunasekera said Army, Navy, Air Force and Police teams have played active roles in local rugby in the past.

“They could make a comeback and contribute immensely for the game. There is so much of talent there and our aim is to spot that and groom those talented youth for the future,” he explained.

The SLRFU chief said Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka has shown a keen interest in strengthening Army’s sporting prowess.

“He has stated that there are various divisions in the Army playing rugby, beside their ‘A’ division squad. A normal club would have a pool of around 40 but in Army, there could be nearly 300 soldiers playing rugby. Hence, they should have a better place in the SLRFU,” he said.

“Unlike the club players, the services players would not demand. All what they want is satisfaction, prestige and honour of playing for their services team.

They should be given all encouragement. I intend to take this matter up at Friday’s (3) policy-making meeting,” the former Royal, CR & FC and Sri Lanka player turned surgeon said.

The SLRFU Interim Committee has made the right choice in appointing former Sri Lanka and Air Force winger, Nalin de Silva in-charge of the project. Group Captain (Rtd) Fernando commended the SLRFU’s new move and said this could lead to a new era in Sri Lanka rugby. “It is a very sensible move by the union. There is plenty of talent and if we groom them properly, it would be an investment for the future,” he said.

The former Sri Lanka No. 8 who has been a versatile player during his day, said the three services, especially Army and the Air Force have remained in the game continuously, despite battling against terrorism.

“There has been tremendous enthusiasm amongst services teams and they continued to play rugby even when terrorism was at its height. Even when Jaffna was under siege in early 90, there was a services ‘seven’ team from Jaffna, “ said De Silva who was nicknamed ‘ironman’ for his courageous play against Fijian Apisi Nagata, who played for CH & FC, in 1985. Group Captain (Rtd) De Silva said the three services and Police have made a huge contribution to Sri Lanka rugby in the past.

“They could do the same in future with this development plan. On the other hand, playing for a service team is a prestigious thing. Rugby is a glamour game and that would attract more talented recruits for the services,” he explained.

He also explained how rugby had helped Air Force to attract more pubic attention and enthusiasm to join the force.

“In 1986, Air Force rugby team won seven titles, including the prestigious Clifford Cup. That increased Air Forces’ recruitment drives by over 30% as schoolboy ruggerrites showed a keen interest to join Air Force,” he added. De Silva said he is happy to take the challenge and play an active role.

“I am ready to take this challenge up and get the services back into the picture,” he concluded.