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| Sunday, 10 April 2005 |
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Sri Lanka, India may co-host Asian rugby c'ship by Lal Gunesekera There is a strong possibility that the Asian Rugby Championship scheduled to be staged in Sri Lanka next year (2006) could be hosted jointly by the Indian RFU too due to the increase in the number of teams competing. The Secretary of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU), Dilrey Fernando, told the 'Sunday Observer' that it (SLRFU) had suggested that Sri Lanka host the top 10 sides, while the bottom four nations play in India. He said that discussions are under way with the Indian RFU on this matter with the entire funding to be borne by the host nation, with a certain percentage from the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU). Fernando said that at present there were 14 nations affiliated to the ARFU, but the Philippines, Kampuchea and Guam too have applied for membership. The latter was earlier in the African sector, but now is attached to the Asian region. He disclosed that random dope tests will be carried out during the Rugby Asiad next year by personnel of the International Rugby Board (IRB). Fernando, who was in Dublin, Ireland, along with the President of the SLRFU, Priyantha Ekanayake, for the 7th General Assembly of the IRB, said that the IRB's Development Manager for Asia, Gerard Gallagher, will arrive in Colombo early next month (May) for discussions with the SLRFU on various matters. He said that the Singer-SriLankan Airlines International 7's organised by the Kandy Sports Club in the hill capital in September too was discussed, while the IRB, also explained to the SLRFU duo how to obtain finances, sponsorships etc from the IRB. The IRB was also requested to send a top coach to Sri Lanka for a period of four to six months to train the Sri Lankan coaches, as George Simpkin, the New Zealander, who was in the island for quite a while, is due to return to his native country at the end of June. It was disclosed that the SLRFU would have to provide accommodation and meals for the IRB coach, and the airfare to be met by the IRB. |
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