Live; the values of Rugby
The Principal of Trinity Colle ge, Andrew Fowler-Watt, stated that the much awaited high profile rugby encounter “the Bradby has been postponed.” The principal rightly states that following the Easter Sunday atrocities and the Police and armed forces being stretched to the limit and given the state of uncertainty and apprehension; it is not safe to host this event.
The non-event will disappoint many who will travel from overseas as well as the local supporter who looks forward to this prestigious game. This is a bold but appropriate decision in the current circumstances. Rugby is sensitive to what is happening around them. It is part of their way forward.
Rob Abernethy, Rugby World Cup General Manager 2019, explains how the game of rugby is an important platform for encouraging greater diversity and inclusion. He says “this is an essential feature of World Rugby’s mission: a sport for all, true to its values. We don’t just talk about the values of rugby – of solidarity, passion, integrity, discipline and respect – we live them.”
World Rugby’s (WR) partnership with Child Fund is building stronger, more inclusive, communities and giving more disadvantaged young people in Asia the opportunity to learn valuable life skills through rugby. WR and Child Fund will reach more marginalised youth in Asia – girls, children from developing communities, and young people living in rural and remote areas who have never had the opportunity to take part in organised sport before.
In rugby, Sri Lanka diversity has always been a part of the teams and clubs and the sport has always encouraged camaraderie.
During the recent events which affected more Christians: it was confusing as some thought it was more important to announce information of a schools rugby match within a two hours of the blast that destroyed the lives of those who were celebrating Easter Sunday either in church or at breakfast. Andrew Fowler- Watt on the
other hand, has taken his time to deliberate and decide understanding that life is what is greater.
I also saw on social media a picture of the solidarity of diverse friends of rugby. There was a great message in that picture of rugby players of dif ferent background united in a game of tap rugby. While people were making efforts to unite and heal there was this odd comment that included the words of a popular match song: a hurrah for the Merry Hurrah for the land Hurrah for xxx who do not care a damn. Sick because some people revere these jack asses as the money from Down Under becomes important.
Not so to the sane who wanted the comment removed proving that all is not lost in rugby and Sri Lanka. The irony was the authors of both posts were part and parcel of the denomination of people who gathered to celebrate the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ oblivious to that it was to be their last Easter Sunday. These words are an adaptation from Barry Cromwell's 1861 poem Hurrah for the Land of Merry England Hurrah for the Spirit etc and the excuse stating that, it is of a big match origin of his time is lame.
Five of the eight schools in the last round of the ' A' Division League have a Christian background. The probability of danger at the hands of a heartless terrorist is high. A school rugby match would be open for crowds including many schoolboys. The best thought would be to postpone or cancel the cup thinking of the danger. But possibly some do not see the danger because social media did say nothing about the teams being of a distinct similar group. Schools rugby is at a crossroad.
It would be the dream of some to wear the jersey for the last time in their school life but the consideration has to be a pay off between wearing a jersey for the last time and wearing it six feet down. Others argue that it supports the job search. There are many factors that have to be considered in arriving at a decision on continuing the schools tournament. Life has to go on as some say. General Patton said,“No dumb bastard ever won a war by going out and dying for his country.”
Another fact is that the boys have not been at practice since April 21. I believe even light practice has been a problem with a troubled mindset. The Advanced Level exams are round the corner and the time schedule was for all school sports to be over by end June. Play it on a later date and it will be less spirit and more water.
In the case of the “Bradby”, many from overseas as well as the locals would have diarized the event to be in Colombo or Kandy. The disappointment is high as the 75th anniversary is in uncertainty. Think out- ofthe- box and consider playing the match on a foreign soil: India, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines and or Dubai. The match will go on and the opportunities for revelry are high. Life will be less in danger though the crowds will be lesser. It is better than playing without a crowd.