Gomes calls for rugby to be popularised as a family sport

Rugby: The CEO/Managing Director of Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC Kishu Gomes said that to develop the game of rugby further, popularising it as a family sport is essential. He took the opportunity to stress on this point at an interview leading up to the President's Trophy Knock-out Rugby Tournament.

"Rugby in Sri Lanka has come a long way since we initially committed to the game in 2000," sold Kishu Gomes. "At this juncture we are hopeful that the game will gather further momentum as a family sport and grow among the masses."

"Rugby is a sport that appeals to all age groups" says Gomes. "Genuinely it is a family sport that encourages all members of the family to join in and have fun. It is our vision that in time this concept is popularised amongst the rugby public."

Chevron Sri Lanka, the sponsors of the Inter-Club League and Knockout Tournaments since 2000 says they have been continuously committed to the upliftment of the sport - "We have been with the game of Rugby for seven years and have signed up with the SLRFU to continue our support until 2010. Over the years we have successfully worked with the Union to develop and enhance the sport."

The organisation has also made special efforts to encourage the popularising of rugby in the provinces. Through the Caltex Inter Provincial Tournament held last year and the Ruhunu Rugby Sevens in Galle inaugurated in 2006, the organisation has indeed seen the game spread far and wide.

"We believe that rural penetration is essential for its development of the game." This year the organisation will also come forward to support the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union to revive the President's Trophy Knock-out Rugby Tournament after a lapse of nine years.

"Rugby as a whole has had an exciting season. The caltex Interclub League and the Clifford Cup Knockout Tournament witnessed some of the most enthralling and entertaining matches. And with this intention we have supported the Union to bring back the President's Trophy this year adding to the excitement of the season" says Gomes.

The President's Trophy Rugby Tournament will begin on September 14 with the clash between CH and FC and Police at Longden Place.