Boots and all | Why ousting of Sri Lanka’s president spells bad news for rugby in the country
We are lucky in Hong Kong to have a proper organisational structure, unlike some of our rivals where the future of sport depends on the whim of powerful individuals
It has been a momentous last few days in Sri Lanka, what with a change in regime, the arrival of the Pope and the start of the rugby season.
Bear with me while I explain what all this has to do with Hong Kong rugby.
The Pope, not much – but he does come from Italian stock and was raised in Argentina, two countries who will be at the World Cup this year.
Hong Kong and Sri Lanka both have great ambitions of reaching the tournament, even if they won’t be able to count on the backing of His Holiness should they do so.
The president’s three sons have all represented Sri Lanka – some say thanks to their father’s influence – and their presence boosted interest in the game
If I were to bet who’ll get there first, it would be Hong Kong, as rugby in the city has a solid foundation, a superb administration and a structure which is the envy of Asia (barring Japan).
Last week the island nation I call home went through a huge political shift when incumbent president Mahinda Rajapaksa lost his grip on power after calling for elections two years before his second tenure was up.