Archives

by Dinesh Weerawansa

Tony Amit has been appointed new Sri Lanka rugby coach after the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) accepted the resignation of C.P. Abeygoonawardena who made a surprise pull out on the eve of the Sri Lanka national pool's first training session for next month's Rugby Asiad in Thailand.

Savantha de Saram is tipped to be the new Sri Lanka captain, following the pull out of No.8 Harris Omar of Kandy Sports Club.

The SLRFU officials, who met yesterday, decided to accept the resignation of Abeygoonewardena, who coached both seven-a-side and 15-a-side Sri Lanka team's during the 14th Asian Games in Busan, South Korea. A former national coach will take over the SLRFU Test squad, which started training at CR & FC grounds yesterday.

Amit last coached the Sri Lanka national team during the two World Cup qualifiers when then national coach SSP Nimal Leuke stepped down earlier this year. Sri Lanka narrowly beat China 9-8 and lost to Kazakhstan 14-20 in the two World Cup qualifiers under Amit's guidance.

"He is a good choice to take over the 15-a-side squad. He knows better about the Kazakhstan opponents and it would be advantageous for us," said SLRFU President, Commander Harsha Mayadunne.

Sri Lanka will meet Kazakhstan in their first match of the 2002 Rugby Asiad, due to commence in Bangkok later next month. Cmdr. Mayadunne said they have made arrangements to provide accommodation to the outstations ruggerites during national pool's preparations for the Asiad.

Meanwhile, former Thomian de Saram is likely to replace Omar who pulled out of the 44-member Sri Lanka pool, expressing his displeasure over the delay in starting training for the Asiad. Among the others in contention for the captaincy, which will be decided by next week, are former captain Leonard de Zilva and former Royal and CR player Asanga Rodrigo.

Centre Rajith Jayasundara, meanwhile, has told the SLRFU that he intends joining the Sri Lanka pool, once the Royal College rugby team returns from their 10-day tour of Australia. Jayasundara said he had informed the national selectors of his inability to join the team from yesterday, but would definitely join pool practices from November 10.

Centre Jayasundara, is the son of reputed former Police coach and selector DIG Daya Jayasundara. 

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager