SL Rugby caught Fiji-ting with National team awaits punishment
The Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) is caught with its proverbial pants down, as World Rugby is on the verge of imposing a crippling fine of Sterling Pounds 25,000 for a serious breach of the laws of the game by fielding foreigners in the National team. This is because the SLRFU fielded Fijian Emori Waqavulagi in the National team without following protocol, and has been asked to "Show Cause" by the World Rugby, as to why it should not be found guilty of the offence.
The process has been ongoing since November 2015, soon after World Rugby found out that Emori Waqavulagi has been named in Fiji 7s squad for the Dubai leg of the World 7s Series. World Rugby, according to international reports, has unearthed that it was the same Emori Waqavulagi who donned the Sri Lanka jersey in their Asian5Nations game against the Philippines in Colombo and in a leg of the Asian 7s Series in China.
A high-handed official revealed that communications between World Rugby and the SLRFU has been ongoing via emails for some time now, with the local body having explained its part of the story, which World Rugby is not willing to 'buy'.
It is now evident that Sri Lanka has either directly or indirectly pleaded guilty to the World Rugby findings and are negotiating a reduction of the fine, to be paid in instalments, according to sources. Failing which, Sri Lanka faces a possible ban of a year's Rugby.
The once hailed development of Sri Lanka fielding foreigners, mainly Fijians, at Rugby however, has brought disrepute to the game and the country as a whole. Nevertheless, Emori Waqavulagi's episode which eventually surfaced, was the result of a longstanding exercise of the SLRFU, whose previous attempts, since the mid 1990s were futile up to 2014. Thereafter it was able to secure 3 Fijians into the National camp. However, this has now backfired on Sri Lanka, for many reasons.
Taking Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines as role models from the Asian region, Sri Lanka could have followed the protocol recom- mended by World Rugby. Even New Zealand, Australia, England, the USA and other great Rugbyplaying countries find slots for foreign talent, while adhering to World Rugby regulations. With the SLRFU bereft of options at this point, they have no choice but to succumb and obey World Rugby decisions and accept its punishment.
This development reopens a not- so new can of worms- the dark side of political influence on Sports. Almost 2 years ago, the news broke that 3 Fijians, namely Emori Waqavulagi, Joseph Dunn and Apisai Naqaliva had enrolled through a programme initiated by the Ministry of Sports in 2014, under then Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage. Though the whole process remained a mystery to many, Aluthgamage then stated it was a step taken to boost sports in Sri Lanka by including athletes from other nations to represent our country.
Clearing the way to field the 3 Fijians, ahead of the Asian5Nations held in Colombo, was done swiftly with Waqavulagi and Dunn making their maiden appearance for Sri Lanka against the Philippines in May 2014. It was alleged that SLRFU, backed by certain politicians of that time, forged documents to fast-track the Sri Lankan passports of Waqavulagi and Dunn. The reason given to the regional and world Rugby offices were that, their grandfathers were born in Sri Lanka, which makes it eligible for a player to represent another country, apart from his native country, according to World Rugby rules.
Though World Rugby is up in arms, the Ministry of Sports has failed to investigate the issue or seek explanations from the SLRFU. Even the present SLRFU office bearers have adopted the passing game by pointing their fingers at past officials headed by Asanga Seneviratne and then secretary Nalin de Silva. Interestingly, Seneviratne is the incumbent president of SLRFU.
Rugby analysts and former stalwarts say this is a serious issue bringing the game into disrepute, which requires the immediate intervention and inquiry by the Minister of Sports to protect the integrity of the game in Sri Lanka. They feel this is the biggest disgrace to the game's 137-year history in Sri Lanka.
If the Ministry of Sports is keen to investigate and clarify what took place almost two years ago, this could be a case for the law enforcement authoritiess to investigate, as forging documents is a serious and punishable offence under the laws of the country. It has also come to light that the Police commenced investigations when Naveen Dissanayake was the Minister of Sports, but has come to a standstill for reasons unknown. The possibility of this becoming another assortment of problems with other Government institutions such as the Dept of Registration of Persons and the Dept of Immigration & Emigration being part of the process, it could take this matter to a different level.
It is understood that the approval to include Waqavulagi, Dunn and Naqavila into the Sri Lanka squad was taken at a Special Meeting held in 2014, where some of the present office bearers were also present. Some key members had refrained from taking part at that meeting, probably realising the fallout of the decision was a foregone one then.
But the damage has been already done. What other countries in the Asian circuit namely Japan and Malaysia, accomplish with long term plans by following the World Rugby regulations were done by the Sri Lankans but according to their own will and the customary way of seeking glory through shortcuts. Japan is gradually becoming a force to reckon with in the global stage and Malaysia is on the verge of becoming a powerful Sevens side in Asia, which Sri Lanka is easily capable of achieving, if they make the correct gear changes and look after their Rugby engine properly.
This whole episode has not only made World Rugby contemplate shutting their doors on Sri Lanka, but it has already slammed the door on Waqavulagi, who is a potential 7s star for Fiji. Sri Lankan officials, whoever it may be, by not clearly explaining matters to him, have denied him the opportunity of being a member of the mighty Fiji 7s outfit, and he is still struggling to find a way out of this debacle. The young chap who just turned 26 in June, may have made his only international appearance for Sri Lanka, while the Fijian Rugby authorities have treated this incident as an eye-opener. Fiji Rugby stated in November 2015, that the withdrawal of Waqavulagi from their national 7s team, over eligibility concerns, highlights the need for a global database. This spotlights another side of Rugby, as Sri Lanka strives, by means, for global recognition, countries like Fiji, with an abundance of talent, find it difficult to afford every player the opportunity at international level, and make the sport more lucrative to its players.
Sri Lanka boasts of one of the richest Rugby histories in Asia, dating back to 1879, but is turning out to be a reviled soul after 137 years. What the authorities have forgotten is that the game is bigger than any individual, group or association. And, if they intend to develop Rugby, reach the global stage and maintain status, on and off the field, it's never late to understand that shortcuts, satisfying individuals, short-term glories and forgery will take them nowhere but end up as dregs of that fraternity.