Zahira College Colombo who holds the distinction of being among the initial four schools to play rugby marks a significant milestone as they commemorate 100 years of the sport.
They have organized an Invitational Rugby Sevens at the Race Course ground on March 2 and 3 that will feature 16 leading schools.
A total of Rs. 2.5 million will be given away as cash prizes to the winners of every segment according to the organizers while the Cup winners will be presented with Rs. 1 million, the runners-up Rs. 500,000, third place Rs. 200,000 and fourth place Rs. 100,000.
The winners in the Plate, Bowl and Shield will receive Rs. 50,000 each while the runners-up will receive Rs. 25,000 each. The best player will receive Rs. 50,000 and the top try scorer Rs. 50,000.
According to the organizers the cash awards will be provided by the main sponsor Diamond Milk.
The other sponsors are Moose Clothing, Ride Energy Drink, Dasa group, GNZ Bio Science, Frosty American Water and Sling Mobility.
The player of the series will be presented with an electric motor bike by courtesy of Sling Mobility.
According to the organizers, with such attractive prizes on offer the players are certain to give of their best providing much excitement at the tournament over two days.
“Looking back at the achievements of Zahira rugby the school has produced many players who have represented national teams. Now we are thinking about how to improve the standards further not only at Zahira but all schools in the country,” said Trizviiy Marikkar the principal of Zahira.
“Schools must also stop grabbing players from other schools if they want to improve the standards in their own school. The key players must be given scholarships so they don’t have to look elsewhere” added Marikkar.
The 16 schools have been divided into four groups of four teams in each group.
The groupings are as follows:
Group A: Zahira, Dharmaraja, S. Thomas’ and St. Aloysius
Group B: Royal, Sri Sumangala, St. Joseph’s and Lumbini
Group C: Trinity, DS Senanayake, Wesley and Maliyadeva
Group D: Kingswood, Isipathana, St. Peter’s and Mahanama
