Agoal Rugby Academy young'uns impress

RUGBY: The players in Un-10, Un-12 and Un-14 of Agoal Rugby Academy competed in the DHL Bangkok Junior International Rugby Tens Tournament, which was held recently in Thailand.

This was also the first-time in the history of Junior rugby in Sri Lanka, an international tour was undertaken successfully by an academy or Un-10 or Un-12 rugby team in this country.

The kids from Agoal were not only fortunate to be part of this rare occasion, but also made Sri Lanka proud when they emerged Cup runner-up in Un-12, Plate runner-up in Un-10 and Un-12 and Bowl runner-up in Un-14 categories beating strong and physically imposing foreign sides.

As a result of a request made by CR & FC Agoal was formed in 2004 and began its journey humbly with little over 20 kids attending sessions in the weekends. Agoal now a fully-fledged rugby coaching academy for young rugby players with participation of well over 100 kids from 15 different schools.

The Agoal rugby academy which is situated at Longden Place is spearheaded by Dilroy Fernando, an International Rugby Board (IRB) certified rugby educator and the incumbent President of Sri Lanka Rugby Referees Society and the Director of Sports at CR & FC.

The Academy consists of a panel of reputed and professional coaches D. Nimal, Paul Thomas, A. C. Tennakoon, Lasantha Peiris and Upul Peiris. Members of Agoal rugby academy are frequently visited by many foreign rugby experts such as Keith Roberts, Rob Yule, Yuichi Uyeno and Jarrad Gallagher where they impart their rugby expertise to the youngsters.

Agoal also encourages its young members to educate themselves on the theoretical side of rugby in order to have a sound knowledge of the game they love to indulge in.

The academy conducts its indoor training sessions through demonstrations, seminars, workshops, training videos and international matches (videos)

JK.