Governor’s Cup rugby sevens to attract youth participation  

By A Special Sports Correspondent  

The Governor’s Cup seven-a-side rugby tournament for men and women teams will be held on November 18 (Saturday) at the Race Course in Colombo, the tournament’s organizers told media representatives at a briefing held at the Western Province Council in Battaramulla on November 15 (Wednesday).

According to the organizers of the tournament a total of 18 teams will be in the fray; nine men and nine ladies teams. The tournament will be held under World Rugby laws and specifications and all players must meet the specification of being under 24 years in age. A large number of school leavers and B Division club players are expected to take part in the tournament. Matches will commence at 7.45 am on Saturday with the men’s final scheduled for 4.30 pm. The tournament will be worked off in the Cup, Plate, Bowl and Shield categories.

The significant feature of the tournament is that there will be restrictions on the participation of A Division club players. According to Group Captain (Retired) Nalin De Silva, President Elect Sri Lanka Rugby, A Division club players will not be encouraged to take part in this tournament.

Governor of the Western Province Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Goonatilake speaking at the occasion said that the tournament was proposed with the aim of giving youth more chances at playing competitive rugby.

Pradeep Yasarath, Chief Secretary Western Province, said that rugby’s rich traditions and popularity seen in the Western Province must travel to the other provinces and this tournament will help in this endeavor.

Before the tournament concludes a flag will be passed on to the chief rugby administrator of another provincial rugby union in the form of an invitation to host next year’s tournament.