GRFC passes sixth mile post

The Gampaha Rugby Football Club ( GRFC), an up and coming rugby team from Gampaha, will celebrate its sixth anniversary today. The GRFC which is the first and only rugby playing club from the district, to pop up despite major setbacks, is currently playing in the Division C tournament conducted by the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU).

So far according to Darshana Dandeniya, the founder member, coach cum player, over 75 players have come and gone through the gates of Sri Bodhi Public ground in Gampaha where the GRFC has been conducting its practice sessions over the years.

“In 2007 I and my friend late Kanishka Dias, decided that we should form a club with many intentions. One of our aims was to promote Rugby as a sport in the Gampaha district. Most of the founder members of GRFC were former players of Royal College Colombo who resided in the Gampaha district and that actually gave many of them the opportunity of continuing Rugby after their school careers. Lastly we wanted to make our hometown proud through Rugby, so in return the game would reach every nook and corner of the district,” Dandeniya said.

During the past six years GRFC has played almost all the competitions they were drafted into by the SLRFU, with the aim of getting closer to their goals. So far the GRFC has competed at four 7s tournaments conducted by the Western Province Rugby Football Union, two 7s tournaments of SLRFU and have competed the SLRFU Inter-Club Division C League tournament only to gain a good track record.

“It’s not an easy task to maintain a Rugby squad. We have to pool out all our expenses beginning from costs at training sessions, playing kits for matches, transport and other expenditures. Despite these demands that we voluntarily take on to hands, the GRFC has helped three schools who were interested in playing rugby. But unfortunately the administrators of all three schools were not so keen on the game.”

“We were genuinely trying to build up momentum to promote the game in the area. But practically it becomes turns out to be a difficult task when we too have to undergo all the tough times, when it comes to financial steadiness. We were promised a sum per League match last season

During the past six years GRFC has played almost all the competitions they were drafted into by the SLRFU, with the aim of getting closer to their goals

by SLRFU but we are yet to get paid. We are looking at generating funds by our own to develop the club and hence the schools and look at the potential from the area,” Dandeniya added.

The GRFC still is not in a position to employ a full time coach, or at least provide its 30 odd players the basic facilities needed to play a game of Rugby. But they are confident that Dandeniya’s and Dias’ vision, which initiated when they were team mates of the Royal Under- 17 team, will see a happy ending. The GRFC at presents accommodates players from the leading rugby playing schools, who could not make it up to the Top Division. The GRFC under the guidance and captaincy of Dandeniya, includes Chathura Nawaratne, Sudath Chathuranga, Arunoda Dilhara, Kasun Jayasekara, Madushka Karunanayake, Tharindu Sameera, Udara Gayan, Samaka Madhu, Amila Meegahage, Derrick Silva, Lahiru Sandesh, Charith Peiris, Rasan Ranatunga, Gayan Mayadunna, Chathura Ramanayake, Tharindu Ranepura, Pradeep Indrajith, Uditha Dassanayake, Madushan Hettiarachchi, Prince Thuraiappah and Yasas Nonis, who represents its 15s and 7s sides.