Sidelined by internal politics and squabbles in his own country, rugby’s best communicator Dilroy Fernando has been enlisted as Asia Rugby’s high profile manager of match officials, a post that could make him discover a whole new world.
A former Sri Lanka fly-half, Fernando has been a live-wire in his private capacity organising tournaments for various entities in the promotion of the sport especially at youth level and his new appointment puts him alongside the elitists of world rugby.
“Asia Rugby is excited about Dilroy Fernando’s appointment as Match Official Manager. His extensive experience and proven leadership in the field of match officiating will be invaluable in enhancing the standards and development of our match officials.
“We warmly welcome him to the Asia Rugby family and look forward to his impactful contributions,” said Terence Khoo the deputy President of Asia Rugby.
A crusader for change and professionalism among players and referees, Fernando’s role will pivot him to oversee match official operations and maintain comprehensive databases of officials and coaches.
“My task will be to put refereeing in Asian rugby at the highest level”, Fernando told the Sunday Observer.
“The exposure that I get and my work can also benefit Sri Lanka in terms of referee development”.
He becomes the first Sri Lankan to hit a high profile image and with Asia having the highest number of nations playing rugby which stands at 30, Fernando could find himself hobnobbing with World Rugby officials.
Asia accounts for 28 percent of the world population playing rugby and Fernando had to compete with candidates from outside the region to find favour with Asia Rugby at a time Sri Lanka is under threat of an international ban over an administration that has failed to meet global responsibilities due to internal power struggles.
It is no surprise then that Fernando has left his compatriots behind to squabble over petty issues and moved ahead as probably the only Sri Lankan official to have a say in international affairs with a chance to also promote the island’s image or restore what is left of it through his global connections.
Managing appointments, developing male and female match officials and coaches, online courses and discussions, liaison with team coaches and management on refereeing and law matters will also come under Fernando’s purview.
He is a stalwart of the Ceylonese Rugby and Football Club (CR and FC) who has refereed many Asian international matches ending his on-field career on a high note.
