Welshman David Edwards coaches CH and FC

Jatila KARAWITA

RUGBY: Welshman David Edwards, a former centre three-quarter of Harlequins, UK will be the new coach of CH & FC for the upcoming 2009 inter-club rugby season. This was announced by Chairman of Gymkhana Club, Ranjan Kanagasabai to the Sunday Observer.

The 52-year-old Edwards had begun his rugby career playing for Swansea School in Walse. He also played for the youth teams. He had then represented the Swansea District team and also turned out for the Abaeravon Harlequins in the English Premier League.

David Edwards then moved to Australia in 1982 and played `A' Grade rugby for Melbourne Frankston and also for the Southern District in the Premier Grade.

Edwards who for a major part of his competitive rugby career had played as a centre and changed positions and moved on to number eight, during the latter part of his career.

Canagasabai said that CH & FCs new foreign rugby coach has also obtained a Level III coaching status in Australia and that the Welshman's coaching experience also covers Victoria State team Melbourne Axeman and Junior State teams in the under-16, Under-18 and under-20 categories.

"We hope David Edwards' immense exposure at international rugby in Northern and Southern Hemisphere, will be a source of inspiration for the boys", the CH & FC Chairman said.

He added that the Rugby Committee of the Gymkhana Club had also been restructured with a new committee hoping to emulate the lofty deeds during the 1980 and 1990 of the one of Colombo's oldest 'A' Division rugby clubs. The club will be led by former Kingswood and current Sri Lanka hooker Achala Perera.

Former Convenor and Secretary in the 1980 and 1990s Rajan Anthony has replaced Prasantha Wimalasena as Rugby Convenor to provide organised leadership and former Sri lanka centre Jude Dimithri is to be the new Secretary. Well-known powerlifter Mothilal Jayathileke has been contracted to provide power and strength training for the team.