Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) President Rizly Illyas yesterday confirmed that they would release all Kandy Sports Club players to represent the other clubs during the Commanders Cup Rugby Tournament next month, following a directive from the Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa.
“We were aware that Kandy SC will pull out but that does not bother the tournament as SLR will release all Kandy players to represent other clubs,” he explained.
“Only players taking part in this Inter-Club Tournament will be within the radar of the National Selectors to include players for the National Sevens Pool and for the High-Performance contract for two years.”
“Preparing for a major tournament under the COVID-19 pandemic is always a challenge. The physical and mental strain on the team takes a toll. We simply cannot be distracted by the uncertainty and unfairness of the pandemic,” he emphasised.
“We need to show strength, character and have urgency in all that we do. Success in this first quarter of 2021 won’t happen without having challenges and remaining focused.”
We are glad that the Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa has acknowledged the Inter-Club Commanders Cup. We are thankful to Dialog as they have pledged Rs. 85.5m as sponsorship to SLR for 2021 and I am sure this part of the sponsorship will cover the sevens tournament.”
“I am sure the Sports Ministry will give us support with the health authorities on PCR testing and I must thank Air Force Commander and his team for making the logistics happen, if not for Air Force, this tournament would not happen,” Illyaz added.
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