Ruggerites receive COVID vaccination first jab

Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) with the support of the Sports Minister and his officials and the Ministry of Health, successfully completed the COVID-19 vaccination (first jab) recently.

The players from the respective clubs (Men and Women) along with the referees and other officials were vaccinated at the Health Ministry premises in Maitland Place.

Over 150 players and around 50 officials took part in this vaccination process. This vaccination process was mandatory for selecting players to the National Pool. SLR took this step to encourage the players and other stakeholders with a view to recommence the sport and gear up for the sevens tournament, which is likely to resume in early September.

The Asian Rugby Sevens Tournament is to be held later this year in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

“We are happy that we could initiate this programme for the rugby players and officials with the support of the Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa and officials of his Ministry,” SLR Secretary Jude Pillai said. “The second jab after a month will enable us to resume rugby, especially the sevens format.”

“Since we have to participate in two legs in the Asian Sevens later this year, this process will enable us to select the players with the support of the National Selectors.”

“I would like to thank the Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa for his support, Dr. Ghouse and his team and the Institute of Sports Medicine Unit at the Ministry of Sports for making this a reality.” SLR Secretary added.

(AN)