Rugby Union greats of the 70’s plan a night of reminiscing at CR&FC on November 23. – By Trevine Rodrigo in Melbourne.
As the decades pass by, and memories of Sri Lanka’s illustrous Rugby Union history fades from modern memory, a plot has been hatched to gather and recount those days of guts glory of our greats of that era took on and made an indelible mark against the best in Asia.
Aimed to celebrate 52 years of our participation, the battle hardened veterans led by outstanding fly half Hafi Abdeen, have planned to bring together some of rugby’s finest who donned the Sri Lanka Rugby jersey with pride in 1972 and ’74 and invitees.
The Rugby Asiad or Asian Five Nations as it was referred to was launched in 1969 from memory and Sri Lanka and other Asian nations became part of it around six years later, joining Japan, Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Hong Kong And Malaysia who were the pioneers.
Sri Lanka have tasted limited success in it’s history with their highlight being finalists against Japan in 1974 when Indrajith Coomaraswamy’s men shocked the competition, backed by a raucous home crowd, to reach the final at Longden Place in Colombo. Sri Lanka overcame Singapore, Laoos and Malaysia along the way.
Aimed specifically to celebrate that success, current survivors of that squad have planned a reunion at the CR& FC that holds that special memory close to their hearts, and hope to draw members of that team from all round the world to meet and reminisce their glory days.
Former Sri Lanka great Hafi Abdeen heads a select number of invitees to the event planned for November 23 and there has already a wide clamour from players from that era and others wanting to be part of the celebration.
“It promises to be a great get-together and we can’t wait to be reunited with our buddies and team-mates from that special time in our sporting lives” said an excited Hafi Abdeen whose brainchild, originally initiated by Indrajith Coomaraswamy, (CR&FC) and Harendra (Boga) Gunasekera ( CH&FC), promises another memorable chapter of their sporting brotherhood.
There will be more precious memories to take home from this special occasion without doubt.
