WPRFU to conduct more rugby tournaments this year

Ranjeeva SENEVIRATNE

The Western Province Rugby Football Union will conduct more tournaments for schools and clubs in the province this year.

"Western Province has the most number of rugby playing clubs and schools and the exposure gained by the ruggerites by playing in these tournaments will stand them in good stead when they represent the country at international tournaments," said the newly elected President of the WPRFU Rizly Illyas.

Illyas who captained Petersons SC in the mid-1990's and served as manager of the national team from 2002 to 2004 said that the WPRFU will conduct under 21 sevens and league tournaments and under 24 sevens and league tournaments this year.

He also revealed that the WPRFU will hold a development tournament for lesser known schools and an Inter-Zonal tournament for WP schools which will serve as a trial for the Youth Rugby Asiad.

Illyas on outstanding flanker and No 8 during his playing days for Petersons said that the WPRFU will also conduct on open Rugby Sevens Tournament in March in which even Mercantile teams will be able to take part in addition to a league tourney for non-A Division teams.

The WPRFU will also revive the grass roots level rugby development program and also recruit touch Judges and referees to officiate in junior schools tournaments.

He will be supported in his endeavour by the newly elected Deputy President - former Sri Lanka No 8 and CH and FC skipper Nazeem Mohamed, Vice Presidents Former Police skipper and Sri Lanka lock forward Hafeel Marso, ex-Havelocks winger Roshan Deen, Secretary ex-CR and FC, Sri Lanka centre and international referee Dilroy Fernando and Treasurer former Havelocks skipper Thusitha Peiris.