Kandy's first rugby academy launched

S.M. Jiffrey ABDEEN Kandy Sports correspondent

Kandy's first ever rugby academy named AJR Rugby Academy will be launched this Sunday (May 24) at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium in Kandy at 9 a.m.

One of the Directors of this Rugby Academy former Sri Lanka and Kandy Sports Club skipper Asoka Jayasena speaking to this correspondent said that Kandy is badly in need of a Rugby Academy as there is a lot of untapped talent in schools in suburbs and they have no opportunity to display their talents or show their prowess. Schools like Nawilmada MV, Watapuluwa MV, Senkadagala MV, Zahira MV, Peradeniya MMV and Sarasavi Uyana MV a few cases to point have talented boys who could be trained.

Asoka Jayasena said that the activities of this Academy is open to boys and girls between the ages of 8 to 20. They will be put through their paces and the rough edges honed and skills drilled into them.

He said that the bigger schools have well trained rugby coaches and it is the smaller and lesser known schools we are targeting. Former Sri Lanka skipper and rugby legendary and at one time President of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union Priyantha Ekanayake will function as a Honorary Consultant along with Lasantha Wijesuriya who will be also a Director of the Academy. In addition Dr. Asela Ratnayake - A specialist on Sports Medicine and Sports Nutrition from the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital will be also a Director cum Consultant.