The Papare all star rugby encounter:

Colombo 'Blues' take on Kandy 'Reds' on June 16

Bernard PERERA

The second annual All Star Rugby encounter between Colombo Blues and Kandy Reds is scheduled for June 16 with the scrum down set or 5.0 pm at CR & FC this was disclosed by Managing Director Papare.com Asith de Silva at press briefing held at the SLRFU head quarters on Wednesday.

He said that this encounter is mainly focused on developing rugby from the junior level. The rugby in Sri Lanka needs young talent absorbed to the national side. This encounter will pave the way for the SLRFU to find new talent from various parts of the country as the governing body too is engaged with the organizers on high note.

The SLRFU came forward willingly when the idea was mooted last year and the fullest cooperation was extended for the same and good results were achieved said de Silva. He also said that Singer Sri Lanka which has helped the game of rugby in a big way has consented to be the main sponsor this year too which is a great encouragement for all involved with the sport. He paid glowing tribute to the school authorities for the assistance rendered during the last encounter and requested the same this year too.

The Secretary to the SLRFU Lasitha Guneratne addressing the media said that Sri Lankan junior ruggerites have done well in the past Asian championships where they performed well and were placed third behind Japan and Hong Kong.

Once they pass their junior level they must be kept for future this has to be done by encouraging them at the junior level, so this is a good opportunity for them to show their talents in front of the selectors who will in turn peruse them to be absorbed to the under 20 pool.

Lasitha further said that Sri Lanka is to participate at the Asian Schools rugby championship scheduled to be held in Hong Kong later this month. The pool for same will be selected from the players who are competing in this encounter. Players from Kandy and Wayamba will play for the Kandy Reds team while the Colombo team comprise of players from the Western Province.

He also said that as these school ruggerites are to leave for Hong Kong this month the SLRFU has made a request to postpone school matches until the return o the players from the tour.

Senior Manger Merchandising Singer Sri Lanka Asanka Guneratne addressing said that in the past Singer Sri Lanka played a vital role in promoting the game of rugby in Sri Lanka and will continue to support the game. He also added that the Media played a vital role for the promotion of the game which also helped them for them to reach the required mileage.

While thanking the Media he said rugby in Sri Lanka reached this standard mainly due to the support extended by the media.