by Ravi Nagahawatte

Former Sri Lanka rugger captain, Priyantha Ekanayake, says that the country would have easily become the third best rugby playing nation in Asia if foreign players were allowed to continue playing in the domestic tournament.

Ekanayake, who last turned out for Sri Lanka in a World Cup Qualifier against Chinese Taipei in 1998, in an interview with ‘The Island’ said that granting foreigners permission to play in the Sri Lankan league tournament will in no way deprive local players from finding a place in their respective club sides.

"This is rubbish. If a local player is good enough he can fit in anywhere in the side. Look at the clubs at the bottom of the league. If there is a problem these foreigners can find places in these lesser known clubs.The foreigners added glamour to the local rugby season and also educated our players. I must stress that foreigners helped bring in the crowds at matches. One must not forget that Sri Lanka is the only country in Asia that has a spectator turn out at domestic rugby matches.," said Ekanayake.

Ekanayake commenting on the decision taken by rugby authorities to encourage foreigners to play again said that it has come too late.

"To be fair by clubs this decision should have been taken much earlier. Clubs should have time to look for quality players. The season is just a few weeks away," said Ekanayake.

Ekanayake, who is the spokesman for Kandy Sports Club, said that his club hasn’t made plans to bring down foreign players this season.

"It is very unlikely that Kandy Sports Club will field foreign players. If the SLRFU takes an official decision to grant the foreigners to play in the domestic season then the committee of the Kandy Sports Club will take a decision on it. As for now it is very unlikely that Kandy Sports Club will field foreigners," said Ekanayake.

Ekanayake stressed that restrictions should not be imposed on foreigners if they are allowed to play.

"I am for foreigners playing here. People are talking about depriving the local players places at their clubs. How can this theory be applied when the country is having a shortage of players. If they are brought down they should be allowed to play in any position," explained Ekanayake who at one time played along with the best of foreign recruits.

Ekanayake showered praise on foreign players like Michael Collins, Apisi Nagata and Kitioini Ratudradra for the contributions made to imorove the standard of local rugby.