Rugby in Sri Lanka is to get off the ground after a lapse of one year with the Air Force organising the Commander's Cup Sevens on March 20 and 21 with the blessings of Sri Lanka Rugby at Ratmalana followed by the second leg on March 26 and 27 at the same venue.
"Our Rugby Committee decided not to let rugby die and came out with this decision to open the gates to conduct this tourney to give a restart to the game.
"Though we are making all arrangements to hold this event we will adhere to all guidelines stipulated by the health authorities and Sports Ministry", commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Pathirana said.
Air Vice Marshal Janaka Amerasinghe addressing the media said that the Committee decided to invite eight leading clubs playing in the ‘A’ Division but only five have confirmed their participation.
The teams participating are Army SC, Police SC, Navy SC, Air Force SC and Havelocks SC.
Kandy SC, CH & FC and CR & FC have turned down the invitation.
In the absence of these teams the Committee decided to request the participating clubs to enter two teams each.
Air Vice Marshal Amerasinghe further added that all expenses for all teams will be borne by the Air Force from sponsor funds expected from the main sponsor Dialog.
All 15 players and five officials allowed for a team will have to undergo health guidelines inclusive of PCR tests for which the organizers bear all costs.
The tournament will be played minus spectators but the organizers have made arrangements to telecast the matches live on the channel Eye.
In addition to the Commander's Cup, one million rupees await the champions.