Nimal thrilled at being picked to 'blow' at Singer - SriLankan Sevens

By Jatila KARAWITA

RUGBY: One of Sri Lanka's most-sought-after rugby referees D. Nimal, who has been chosen by the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) to officiate at the on-going 10th Singer-SriLankan International Sevens 2008 at the Nittawela Stadium, Kandy described his selection as a 'dream come true,' being able to blow alongside one of the worlds foremost Sevens referees Taizo Hirabayashi of Japan.

"Taizo (Hirabayashi) is one of the leading Sevens referees not only in Japan but in the world, and being able to work alongside him is great," the ever unassuming Nimal told Sunday Observer during a brief interview on the eve of the popular International Sevens which kicked off on Friday (Sept 5).

"I am also happy that from Sri Lanka, the ARFU has picked only me to blow in this tournament. That obviously shows the progress I have made as a referee and this experience should stand me in good stead for my refereeing career," added referee Nimal.

Nimal said that he was at the peak of his refereeing career, having trained assiduously for the showpiece Sevens tournament in the country. He said that the experience gained officiating alongside other top 'Sevens' referees from across Asia will be invaluable in the long term.

Besides Nimal, referees from Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Chinese Taipei will 'blow' in the Singer-SriLankan Sevens tournament.

Ace referee Dilroy Fernando will function as Referee's Manager. Apart from Japanese referee Hirabayashi, the other top referees expected to officiate will be Tobi Lothian of Hong Kong, Shi Young Gin of China and Abdul Hamid and Ramesh Lachmannan from Malaysia respectively.

D. Nimal who counts over 15 years of experience in rugby refereeing both at home and abroad, has also blown in three Junior Rugby Asiads including the final in 2006 between Chinese Taipei and Japan in Taipei. He also spoke of the influence Dilroy Fernando has had in his refereeing career so far and stated that if he is in some position today in the refereeing sphere it was wholly due to the impact Fernando has made on his rugby career.

Nimal added that of the two forms of the game, he preferred the Sevens format to that of the 15-a-side version.

The Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) has also selected the following Sri Lankan referees as touch judges at the International Sevens. The referees are: Pradeep Fernando, Priyantha Gunerathne, Aruna Rankothge, Gamini Indrasena and Irshad Cader.

Meanwhile three top ARFU officials: Scott Herbert, Stan Wright and Tom Woolfe will also be in Sri Lanka to oversee the three-day tournament.