Dedication - key to Sri Lanka’s success

Yasaratne GAMAGE

Sri Lanka’s new rugby coach New Zealander Ellis Meachen speaking at a press briefing held at SLRFU headquarters said that commitment and dedication should be the key to Sri Lanka’s success at the forthcoming Asian Five Nations Tournament.

He said that the Sri Lankan players have the talent , dedication and enthusiasm and he is determined to harness their tallent to mould them into a formidable outfit for the tournament.

He said that there will be a practice match against a foreign country before the first encouter which should stand them in good stead for the tournament and if they play to their true potential and maintain their fitness they should be able to beat any team in the Five Nations tournament.

Ellis reiterated that fitness plays a vital role in rugby as a player is able to display his skills and use the techniques efficiently only if he is physically strong.

There will be a fitness test on Sunday and another one in March towards the begining of the tourney. The team will have training and practise sessions in Colombo and Kandy.

With home advantage Sri Lanka has a good chance of beating Hong kong and UAE in Colombo in April 2011 and are also confident of putting up a good fight against Asian Heavyweight. Japan and Kazakhstan in the two away games in May this year.

He will be adopting new methods in training the Sri Lankan players. Between 30 to 40 players have been attending pool practices during the last few days.

He said that he is being assisted by C P Abeygunawardena and he has also obtained the services of a fitness trainer.

He said he was confident that Sri Lanka could emerge victorious and remain in the Asian Five Nations Tournament next year too.