Y FM is on the verge of striking a sponsorship deal with the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) in connection with the upcoming Inter-school Under-19 League Rugby tournament for 2009.

Director Sales MBC Network, Sujith Silva told ‘The Island’ that discussions held so far with the SLSRFA have been positive.

"We are looking forward to sponsoring the inter-school league rugby tournament this year. Certain aspects regarding the sponsorship deal need to be confirmed at both ends. Y FM is looking forward to a long term sponsorship deal with the SLSRFA," said Silva.

SLSRFA Secretary, Kumar Rodrigo said that negotiations with the MBC Network had been fruitful and a deal between the two parties should be struck soon.

According to the SLSRFA, the slot for a sponsor for the senior schools league rugby tournament fell vacant after Singer Sri Lanka had informed them that they wouldn’t be sponsoring the rugby tournament this year.

Silva, elaborating on the probable sponsorship deal, said that they had picked schools rugby because it blended well with its programmes, which revolve around youth activities.

"Apart from the commercial aspects that such a deal will be associated with, our company is also interested in fostering positive values. Y FM also plans to promote leadership, education and also help the public, players, parents and spectators to be familiarised with the IRB code of conduct," Silva further said.

Silva said that a press briefing would be held to notify the rugby fraternity as soon a deal is struck between Y FM and the SLSRFA.

As many as 48 schools are expected to benefit from the sponsorship deal if it comes through.

SLSRFA secretary Rodrigo said that he expected all popular rugby playing schools to cooperate with the new sponsor, when the deal is confirmed.