SLRFU takes rugby to 5,000+ children in 26 days

The Sri Lanka Rugby Union has recently been on a groundbreaking journey around the country, looking to develop rugby at the grassroots level.

In collaboration with MTV/MBC Network, the goal was to introduce, promote and develop the sport within schools in all districts and provinces around the country.

The program was conducted by the Sri Lanka Rugby coaching and development team and has been met with a wonderful appetite and appreciation throughout.

Dilroy Fernando Promoting the Get Into Rugby Tour, Watched by millions live on Sri Lanka TV.

Dilroy Fernando, Training and Education Consultant for Sri Lanka Rugby spoke to Asia Rugby about the activities that took place.

“We visited 25 districts in 26 days,” said Fernando.

“In total there were 5,414 participants in the Get Into Rugby activities, of which 2,468 were girls.

“A short clip of every single program was shown on the evening news on MTV which was seen by millions of people.

“To ensure we are continuing this incredible work, Get Into Rugby Try programs are planned in all nine provinces for the rest of the year.”

Asia Rugby’s Rugby Development Consultant, Ben Van Rooyen, added: “Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union has to be congratulated in their giant efforts to promote rugby across the length and the breadth of the country.

“SLRFU is taking rugby to areas where children had limited access to organised sports participation during the 26 years of civil war.

“Projects like these remind us of the positive social value of sport participation and hopefully we will see more young people playing regularly in these remote areas. Asia Rugby will do it’s level best to support the union with supplying balls and training and education.”

Sri Lanka National Team Will be competing in the Asia Rugby Championship (ARC ) in Division 1 #ARC2019D1 which is hosted by Chinese Taipei Rugby Football Union in Taipei from the 29th May to the 1st of June. Matches will be streamed Live on Asia Rugby Facebook Page.