CR rugby gets a boost

Anuradha ABEYSEKARA

HSBC has extended their sponsorship for the third consecutive year to the Ceylonese Rugby and Football Club (CR&FC) in oder to uplift the sport in the country. HSBC will be the official sponsors to the CR and FC rugby team during 2011. The agreement was signed at the CR&FC Club on Wednesday.

CR and FC Deputy President Rienzie Fernando thanked the HSBC for choosing them and said that the sponsors will gain adequate mileage as the Club is ready to play in the next season with a very strong team. He appreciated the support HSBC has given them over the years.

HSBC Chief Executive Officer for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Nick Nicolaou said as the global supporter of rugby they have invested in rugby across 30 countries worldwide. With the aim of uniting people and cultures through the positive values of rugby HSBC was appointed as the first ever title sponsor of the IRB sevens World Series. He further revealed their keen interest on the emerging rugby countries through the Asian Five Nation Series and the partnership with CR and FC will have a great positive impact on the development of the sport locally and internationally. Nick assured their continuous support to the club.

Jehan Canagaratne, President of the CR and FC appreciated the service of their players and as rugby has become a highly professional sport in the country. He expressed his confidence of CR and FC ruggerites playing the game in a high standard with the new sponsorship. Speaking further Jehan said that the next season is going to be a four horse race with Kandy SC, SL Air Force, SL Navy and CR and FC. But he expressed his confidence on CR and FC in bringing much excitement in the next rugby season as they have turned out to be a top-notch outfit.

HSBC Head of Marketing Group, Communication and Corporate Sustainability Nilantha Bastian, CR&FC General Secretary Shantha Kurumbalapitiya, CR and FC officials with players and members of the Media were present at the event.