Rugby in turmoil, 12 players fallout over skipper appointment

Turmoil has struck Sri Lanka rugby again with the new appointment of a captain from Kandy SC for the National Rugby team for the upcoming Asian Five Nation Championship scheduled to begin on April 23, confirmed sources told Ada Derana.

It is reported that 12 national rugby players have fallen out with the administration over the appointment and have decided to protest by refusing to participate in matches, Ada Derana learns.

According to protocol the appointment needs to be ratified by the Sports Minister. However when questioned Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said that he was unaware of such an appointment and that he did not confirm it.

Informed sources claimed that the players had initially agreed to practice on the condition that the said appointee was not made captain of the national team. The players in protest include those from CR, Navy and Kandy sports clubs, Ada Derana learns.