While the so-called governance of rugby in Sri Lanka has created the biggest off-field scrum in the world with two factions grappling for its custody, three sets of players from the island are pocketing trophies and winning laurels like never before at one of the most prestigious shows at the Emirates Dubai Sevens.
One successful team calls itself the Lanka Lions and the other the Royal Tuskers comprising Royal College old boys who have won the Cup and the Plate respectively at the internationally flavoured Dubai Sevens.
Their achievements came at a time when retired players who wore the Sri Lanka jersey are staring daggers and throwing darts at one another trying to wrest control of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) bogged down by egoism and technical rows.
The Lanka Lions and Royal Tuskers join another team calling itself the Sri Lions who won a more demanding segment at the Emirates Dubai Sevens and are entitled to contest the 2024-25 Sri Lanka Premier inter club League if it ever gets off the ground.
The backstabbing and foul-play among retired Sri Lanka players is also taking place at a time the new inter-club season should have got off the ground, the first time in many years with memories of the last crackerjack decider in February this year when CR and FC dethroned Kandy SC amid a packed Longden Place.
While the Sri Lions have made their roar with many a foray into new territory that has given the jitters to the established clubs in the island, the Lanka Lions have kept their flame alive with nothing asked or given while the Royal Tuskers have sneaked up like Dark Horses to improve on past records at the Dubai Sevens.
The performances of both the Lanka Lions and the Royal Tuskers prompted some of the players in their ranks to boldly tell the Sunday Observer that it was time squabbling Sri Lankan rugby administrators are told to clear out lock, stock and barrel taking their private grievances along with them.
“Dubai has become the alternative ground for us and all those clubs that have rugby at heart should move on seeking a greener turf like we have done”, said one player.
For the Lanka Lions team it marked the fourth time in a row that they pocketed the prize in rugby in the Gulf last week and the fifth time overall that the players climbed the podium.
