Ibrahim steps across the PalkStrait to guide the Indian pack
Ronnie Ibrahim, who took a surprising two-year break from coaching, came out from his vow prematurely. Ibrahim revealed that he has come to an agreement with the Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFA) as its head coach, becoming the first Sri Lankan to achieve such a feat.
But back at the of his mind, Ibrahim was not a happy man for the way the local body, the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) treats its dependants, mostly the players and officials. In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Times Ibrahim charged SLRFU for not being transparent and openminded especially the local coaches.
“I’m not frustrated for not being given this kind of opportunity at home. I have worked with the Sri Lanka 7s team for a short period as coach. But with that little experience I was able to gather their (SLRFU) intentions. I really feel that the SLRFU do not see enough for development of local coaches,” he said.
Ibrahim detailing further on his new assignment elaborated that the IRFA gave him an unexpected call in mid February seeking his interest in taking over the Indian national rugby sides and its nationwide development programme. After weeks of negotiation Ibrahim finally decided to give it a shot in India as he had nothing to lose during his 13-year long coaching career.
“They sent me a contract letter stating all the conditions and requirements and it will be signed for a period of one year. I will act as head coach of the both Indian 15s and 7s rugby sides in addition to conducting rugby development programmes. I was having an enjoya- ble time with my family for nearly a year but this was an offer too good to be missed.”
“If you compare I was never offered a contract by SLRFU in spite of working with them for a short period. But at club level I have worked under contracts. With the short discussions I had with the Indian officials I feel they have a genuine and serious aspiration to develop the game, though they are not that strong as a team. I assume India has things in order so it will be easy for everyone, the players, coaches and officials to kick off things optimistically,” he added.
Ibrahim will take over his new assignment officially end of March after signing the contracts with the IRFU. He will initially prepare India’s 7s side for the Asian Series before switching to 15s later on where India will compete in the Asian5Nation Division II segment.
Ibrahim started off at Kingswood as a junior coach before taking over its First XV. He worked for four years with his former school before moving to S. Thomas’ Mt. Lavinia for two years. He then switched from schools to clubs by coaching the Air Force 7s side before joining Navy Sports Club as head coach for four years. At all these assignments he had very little trouble conversing with the players in his native language. But this time he will be based in Delhi and will be assisted by an all-Indian supporting staff, mainly from their armed forces.
“Language is never a barrier for rugby. For me rugby is like music. I will be on and off in Sri Lanka depending on programmes set in India. The calendar is going to be heavy with international tournaments, local programmes and overseas coaching programmes in Scotland, Singapore and Sri Lanka. I don’t have bigger plans because I always follow the ‘step-at-a-time’ theory. I will take things positively and see that India can become the next rugby force in Asia with a comprehensive long term plan. That’s what India expects from me,” he revealed, adding this could open doors for his local colleagues at international level as coaches.
“I think this is the best that any Sri Lankan rugby coach could reach. I could probably be the first to coach another country. Humbly for me this is not something to boast about but I know it’s a great achievement for a country. I wish this will be the first step for other local coaches to reach the international scene. And if all local coaches could work as a unit without ‘cut-throat tactics’ I think Sri Lankan coaches expand their aura. At the same time SLRFU should also focus on coaches. But it’s not clear where they are heading to. The picture seems to be beautiful at present but they may have used substandard paint on it. I really don’t have a clear understanding of the SLRFU,” lamented Ibrahim.