Dialog powers Warrior Trophy Rugby 7s

The speed and power of 7’s rugby action is back this month after a lapse of more than a year due to the Covid 19 pandemic, as Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, Dialog Axiata PLC in partnership with the steering committee, which comprises of the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Air Force and Police will kick-off the Warrior Trophy Rugby 7s at 9am on October 30 at Police Park.

The commanders of the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Air Force together with the IGP of the Sri Lanka Police have assured the fullest support in making this event a success. The Warrior Trophy will also perform as a platform for national selectors to pick the squad for the Asian Rugby men’s 7s series that will be played on November 19 and 20 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The tourney will be played behind closed doors. However, it will be broadcast live on the terrestrial channel Supreme TV (Dialog Television channel number 20) and will also be available via live stream on ThePapare.com and Dialog VIU mobile app. The grand final will be played at the same venue on October 31 from 4 pm onwards. The tourney will be officiated by the Sri Lanka Society of Rugby Football Referees.

Sri Lanka Club Rugby 7’s giants CH & FC and Havelock SC will field their best teams, while Army SC, Navy SC, Air Force SC and Police SC will play with two teams each for the Warrior Trophy Rugby 7s 2021 powered by Dialog.

The Warrior Trophy Rugby 7s will be played in accordance with health and safety guidelines mandated by government health authorities to minimize the risk of spreading of Covid 19. Teams will practice in isolation via a bio bubble set up in advance and will undergo regular PCR checks and rapid antigen tests to ensure safety.

“Sports is an integral part of Sri Lankan lives and I’m pleased for the initiative taken by the Steering Committee of Warrior Trophy Rugby 7s to restart rugby in Sri Lanka and the support given by the National Team and Club Rugby sponsor, Dialog Axiata to meet the challenges of organising a tourney of this magnitude in the midst of the Covid 19 pandemic,” Namal Rajapaksa, Minister of Youth and Sports said. “A tournament of this level is critical for selection and to prepare players before a grueling tourney like the Asian Rugby men’s 7s series. I wish the Steering Committee and Dialog the very best for two days of excellent 7s play,” he added.

“I’m indeed pleased that one of Sri Lanka’s biggest supporters of national sports, Dialog Axiata has once again come forward to support the game of rugby,” Senior DIG Ranmal Kodituwakku, Chairman, Steering Committee of the Warrior Trophy Rugby 7s said.

“With the assistance and guidance of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Sports, the Steering Committee of the Warrior Trophy Rugby 7s will ensure the tourney will be played in keeping with the health, safety and wellbeing of the participating teams,” Kodituwakku further added.

“As the sponsor of the National Rugby team and Club Rugby, Dialog is pleased to see the progressive steps taken by the Steering Committee of the Warrior Trophy Rugby 7s to organise a tournament of this magnitude,” Harsha Samaranayake, Senior General Manager – Brand and Media, Dialog Axiata said. “Rugby is one of the most followed sports in Sri Lanka and the fans are looking forward to see their clubs back in action. I wish the Warrior Trophy Rugby 7s for a successful tourney.”