Melbourne Rebels CEO Rob Clarke and inaugural captain, now-board member, Stirling Mortlock were both invited to Sri Lanka recently, with the pair eager to explore the dawning of a new horizon in world rugby.
Sri Lanka’s love for rugby union and its honeymoon with international players in recent times at the local International Carlton Sevens has reaped rewards, with the Melbourne Rebels pledging their support towards lifting the country’s rugby profile on a global scale.
Clarke and Mortlock met with senior ranking rugby officials including those from Sri Lankan Rugby Football Union (SLRFU), along with local government and business leaders, to explore how the Melbourne Rebels could forge a strategic partnership to help develop the game of rugby in Sri Lanka.
Rob Clarke, speaking to the Sunday Times in Sri Lanka and the Lanka Times Melbourne, said the Rebels have built up a special rapport with Sri Lanka rugby over a number of years and its link with Sri Lankan rugby could be important towards the development of an Asian nation to step up to the world stage.
“What we saw in Sri Lanka at the Carlton Sevens recently convinced us that Sri Lanka has plenty of potential, tremendous talent and passion for the game. The atmosphere at matches was fantastic”, Clarke said.
Clarke’s sentiments were echoed by former Wallabies captain and Rebel Stirling Mortlock, who was arguably one of the greatest players to pull on an Australian jumper.
He was unable to conceal his delight at the quality of rugby dished out at the local level and was quick to underline the distinct possibility of a Sri Lankan rugby star stepping up to Super Rugby level in a Rebel jersey in the near future.
“It is a truly great time to be a rugby player in Sri Lanka,” said Mortlock.
“Sri Lankan rugby now sits on the cusp of having a true presence in world rugby, a lot like the Rebels did.
“With the suggested changes to Super Rugby and its expansion throughout Asia in 2016, a relationship with the Rebels could certainly assist in taking Sri Lankan rugby to the next level, and integrate some Sri Lanka talent into the Rebels’ rugby program.”
This would be fantastic for the local game, which has a history of over 100 years, after the English introduced it to the country during their reign to fill in their off-work time.
There have been many great players over the decades but the lack of exposure internationally has kept their talent hidden within the waters of the Indian Ocean.
The only exposure they have had on a global level has been at the Hong Kong Sevens and Dubai Sevens, where they have at times tasted success at the Plate and Bowl levels.
The Melbourne Rebels team of administrators were adamant their foray into Sri Lankan rugby welfare was very serious and their ultimate aim was to “position the country on a global stage through rugby, and ultimately, as one of the best tourist destinations in Asia,” a Rebels spokesman said.
“The SLRFU have got some very energetic and knowledgeable people handling its administration at the moment and the backing of the government and the Sri Lankan national airline, Sri Lankan Airlines, may be pivotal to making the dream of a top rugby nation and tourist destination seems very realistic.”
There is also an awareness of Sri Lanka’s elevation to the top rung of Asian rugby and their recent success at the Malaysian and Thailand Sevens, where they ended up a credible third on both occasions to the Asian powerhouses, Japan and Hong Kong.
With rugby being the second largest participation sport in Sri Lanka behind cricket, Clarke and Mortlock were surprised but delighted by the passion and the talent within the local rugby community.
“It was a wonderful experience,” Clarke said. “I was not only captured by the country’s passion for rugby, but by the beautiful nature of the Sri Lankan people.
“This was no surprise with the great Sri Lankan population we have here in Melbourne.”
Clarke and Mortlock witnessed the quality of rugby first hand, having attended the Carlton International Sevens in Galle, with Clarke identifying many opportunities for the Rebels to partner with a variety of organisations to help propel Sri Lankan rugby on to the world stage.
“Having spent the week with some passionate rugby officials and attending the Carlton International Sevens, it is obvious that there is an enormous amount of rugby talent in Sri Lanka, and I believe the Melbourne Rebels can offer a wealth of high performance input which will accelerate the development of the game in Sri Lanka,” Clarke said.
“We will be looking to be involved in as many ways as possible, including coaching clinics, player internships, development tours and participation in the Carlton International Sevens in future years.”
Mortlock played 80 Tests for Australia, while also leading the Wallabies in the 2007 Rugby World Cup, however never had the opportunity to visit Sri Lanka as a player.
Mortlock happily admits to feeling humbled by his Sri Lankan experience.
“I was just blown away by the fantastic atmosphere, and the quality of play at the Carlton International Sevens,” Mortlock said.
“The SLRFU are very much like the Rebels were in 2010, as we looked to build on the rugby foundations laid many years prior, so it was great to be able to share my experience and insights while in Sri Lanka.”
Having genuinely related to the current state of Sri Lankan rugby, Mortlock was adamant the Rebels depth of expertise would be a fantastic resource to help developing foreign rugby nations, like Sri Lanka, forge their way forward.
“As the Rebels’ first captain, the challenge for me was to come to Melbourne and bring a relatively unfamiliar sport to the world’s sporting capital,” Mortlock said.
“I have found the journey extremely rewarding, especially knowing it has been collective effort from all at the club.
“From the high performance and fitness team, right through to our media and marketing departments, we were able to succeed through a vast array of knowledge and experience, and I’m proud to see the club where it is today.
With the Rebels’ international rugby program being driven by new head coach Tony McGahan in 2014, Clarke was adamant the worldwide presence of the Rebels brand commercially would also be hugely beneficial to Sri Lanka, through both rugby and local business.
“Although rugby is only one of many ‘languages’ linking our two great countries, it should certainly be a key factor in exploring commercial partnerships with a range of organisations,” Clarke said.
“Rugby is an international currency that can provide a range of significant beneifits for Sri Lanka.
“The opportunity to partner with organisations such as Sri Lankan Airlines and Sri Lankan Tourism would also help drive awareness of Sri Lanka as a wonderful tourism destination for Australians, as an alternative to other Asian holiday destinations such as Bali.”
But ultimately, Clarke was clear about the benefits of partnering the Rebels international rugby program with the inspirational people behind the code in Sri Lanka driving the sport, sensing now is the time for the rugby in Sri Lanka to emerge as true player in Super Rugby.
“Who knows; the first ever Sri Lankan Super Rugby player could be a Melbourne Rebel!”
atlas
Guest
^ article mentions rankings - at present 28 - Poland 39 - Sri Lanka 44 - Madagascar
atlas
Guest
Sri Lanka to host new IRB supported event (IRB.COM) Monday 30 September 2013 The International Rugby Board has announced details of an exciting new competition hosted by Sri Lanka and featuring Madagascar and Poland. The IRB-supported competition will be played over three match days between October 26 and November 1 in rugby-mad Colombo. With all three Unions in close proximity within the top 50 of the IRB World Rankings and still in the hunt for a place at Rugby World Cup 2015, the matches will also prove a valuable performance benchmarking exercise for emerging Unions that do not usually get to play internationals outside of their region. more at: http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/mediazone/pressrelease/newsid=2068928.html#sri+lanka+host+irb+supported+event
In Brief
Guest
Wow Johnno, Poland and Sri Lanka is same breath? I think the IRB must be listening: http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/regional/newsid=2068928.html
ANON69
Guest
I think some of you guys are getting carried away way way too much. Unlike Indonesia, Singapore Malaysia. Thailand and other Asian countries sports other than Cricket has filed to win over Sri Lankans. If you are expecting Sri Lankans to buy and wear s Rebels jersey you are in dream land. Only elite on Colombo and to some extent Kandy support rugby. Yes it has spread to few other cities and some schools are playing the game. Good on them. But like some one in earlier post is expecting Rebels jersey everywhere in Sri Lanka, they need reality check. Even Manu is not popular in Sri Lanka like other countries. Majority of Sri Lankan's are struggling to eat three meals a day. The most short term benefit to Rebels would be to look for pacific Islanders.
Colin McCann
Roar Rookie
As both a Melbourne Rebels and Sri Lanka Rugby fan, this is really positive news. I hope Sri Lanka's newfound international acceptance will help the sport grow. Asian Rugby is lacking someone to challenge the Japanese. The lack of competitiveness is hurting Japan's development and that of the interest in Asian nations they play. Imagine if the Rebels had Shota Horie and a Sri Lankan player!
Rebel Network Hish
Guest
Guys, this a great step in building more international relations for the Rebels & Rebel Network. Please keep up with 1) the Facebook Page called Melbourne Rebels Sri Lankan Project 2) the LinkedIn group called Rugby Union Corporate Network For the development of the game! Hish
Bakkies
Guest
Bingo.
chann wee
Guest
@ ATLAS U said " The legendary All Black Richie McCaw was in Sri Lanka last week at the invitation of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union and met with SLRFU President AsangaSeneviratne and Vice President LasithaGuneratne and commended the good work done by the SLRFU for the sport in Sri Lanka." I said " plz see following if there is any dispute as to who invited him to SRI LANKA " Maybe living in Thailand has affected your comprehension of English !!! I never said "the stories and photos faked, and he didn’t meet with union officials or players?" Anyway U live in Thailand and I live in Sri Lanka : chapter closed :D
atlas
Guest
so are the stories and photos faked, and he didn't meet with union officials or players? Do you not understand his being a brand ambassador for an international company (Fonterra, the world's largest dairy processor) is not in some way related to his role as AB captain? From the allblacks.com article I quoted - they'e not falsifying anything: "All Blacks captain Richie McCaw was in Sri Lanka last week, and while his major purpose was visiting Sri Lankan farmers as part of his role as ambassador for Fonterra, he also found time to visit the Sri Lanka Rugby Union." couldn't care a ----if a sponsor paid for his trip, neither do I hold him responsible for the contamination 'scare' which was all it was - yes it was huge story here (Thailand) with a huge percentage of our dairy products being via milk powder and was front page on every daily news media. It was a 'scare' and returned to Asian markets soon after - a lot of brand damage, but again, I couldn't give a ---- about that, he does a good job for rugby and I'd say the people that met him through rugby circles thought the visit worthwhile. All seems rather petty of you. How about focus on the positives?
chann wee
Guest
Ex-national rugby player Thajudeen dies in car crash, police suspect foul play http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=52180
chann wee
Guest
ATLAS , this is actually mis-information . Mccaw went to Sri Lanka on the invitation of FONTERRA - who are the agents for the Famos or shud I say notorious NZ Milk product. Mccaw is the brand ambassador for Fonterra. not sure if he still is . the funny thing is sometime after his visit Fonterra became a banned milk for contamination. !!!! and that is worldwide. plz see following if there is any dispute as to who invited him to SRI LANKA> http://www.fonterra.com/global/en/Hub+Sites/News+and+Media/Media+Releases/RICHIE+MCCAW+VISITS+FONTERRAS+SRI+LANKA+OPERATIONS http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/milk-man-mccaws-latest-outing-dw-137943 http://www.cricturf.com/rugby/51-rugby/5833-new-zealand-rugby-captain-richie-mccaw-visiting-sri-lanka.html http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_8714771,00.html
Mihil
Guest
I should say this is over the top exaggeration of incidents happening in Srilanka. Non of our sports establishment without controversy including cricket. The interest of the president is the sole reason that rugby gets so much state sponsorship. I don't the death of this famous rugby player, if it ever happened we would know about it. I should say that you should keep your political bias to yourself your comment shows a wrong picture about SL rugby scene and what you do will only hurt SL rugby not anyother.
Justin3
Guest
We've got local talent, they just aren't playing for us ffs...
atlas
Guest
All good for rugby - Sri Lanka high school teams have been playing in tournaments here, Thailand, and just last week their national womans 7s side won the first title of Sri Lanka women's rugby history, by taking the Plate FInal of Thailand Sevens, beating Singapore. Lots of info here: http://www.rugby.lk/. Clarke and Mortlock not the first rugby visitors to Sri Lanka this year 4 April 2013 (http://www.thesundayleader.lk/) The legendary All Black Richie McCaw was in Sri Lanka last week at the invitation of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union and met with SLRFU President AsangaSeneviratne and Vice President LasithaGuneratne and commended the good work done by the SLRFU for the sport in Sri Lanka. also see 'Sri Lanka touched by McCaw magic?" http://www.allblacks.com/news/21940/Sri-Lanka-touched-by-McCaw-magic 'All Blacks Legend - Richie McCaw meets Sri Lankan Lions' https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.332797656842524.1073741835.164349370354021&type=1
Working Class Rugger
Roar Guru
Gav, It's only been three seasons. The Force are only now really beginning to produce local talent at it's been 6 or 7 for them. If they are anything to go by in the next season or two we should start seeing more local players emerge.
Gav
Roar Pro
While it's nice the club are looking at expanding markets, Singapore, South Australia, Tasmania and now Sri Lanka. 4 seasons in and we've yet to see a local player promoted, even to the EPS. We were previously just a higher level Melbourne based arm of Sydney Uni, now it seems we are New Zealand's 6th franchise.
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
Sri Lanka eh? Another minnow for the Wallabies to lose to.... :)
peterlala
Guest
Good exercise by the Rebels. I hope it all goes well.
Shop
Guest
That's pretty serious stuff.
Toa
Guest
Good read.