Dialog Serendib International Cup 2013 Set to Put Sri Lanka on the World Rugby Map

 

First ever IRB sanctioned Tournament to be hosted by Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s leading telecommunication services provider Dialog Axiata PLC has signed on with the SLRFU in yet another paradigm shift that is set to reshape the rugby landscape of Sri Lanka with their commitment towards becoming the title sponsor of the Dialog Serendib International Cup Tournament. The agreement on this sponsorship was signed today at the Havelock’s Sports Club, Colombo The inaugural Dialog Serendib International Cup is an international rugby union competition for emerging nations to be held in Sri Lanka between the hosts, Poland (Europe) and Madagascar (Africa). The tournament is sanctioned by the International Rugby Board and will be played over three days at the Colombo Racecourse Ground between 26 October and 1 November 2013.

“There is a cohesive 3 year plan in place to take this tournament to a tournament that will host over 18 teams, making it the 2nd tier World Cup of rugby as envisioned by the IRB, allowing for a much larger involvement from the developing nations in the game,” said Alastair Saverimutto, the Chief Executive Officer for the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union. “Against this backdrop, it is always good to see strong sponsors come forward and Dialog’s credentials as a sponsor and their commitment to rugby is manifest in their involvement in the game so far in Sri Lanka.”

The tournament will serve as a pan-regional competition in Asia that will further enhance the profile of Asian rugby and international rugby in Sri Lanka as the region is set to host the Rugby World Cup for the first time in 2019 in Japan. The tournament will also provide an invaluable platform to step-up in performance and ranking for all three Unions as well as the opportunity for the emerging nations to play internationals matches outside of their own region.

Speaking on the agreement to power this landmark tournament, Amali Nanayakkara, Group Chief Marketing Officer at Dialog Axiata PLC said, “As the Sponsor of the Sri Lankan National Rugby Team, we recognise that the Dialog Serendib International Cup, the first ever IRB sanctioned tournament to be held in Sri Lanka, as an important step towards building the future of Rugby today.

“The triumphs the Tuskers achieved at the recent Asian 7′s tournament in Bangkok and Mumbai is just the tip of the iceberg of what the Tuskers can achieve under the right guidance, commitment and backing. Dialog has therefore stepped forward to reinforce our commitment to the vision of SLRFU in uplifting Sri Lanka Rugby to be among the best in the Asian region.”

The Matches will be played under lights at the New National Rugby Stadium at the Race Course Sports Complex. The match schedule for the 3 days are as follows;

• Match 1 – Madagascar v Sri Lanka: Saturday 26/10/13 – KO 5.30pm
• Match 2 – Madagascar v Poland: Tuesday 29/10/13 – KO 5.30pm
• Match 3 – Sri Lanka v Poland: Friday 1/11/13 – KO 7.30pm

The 3rd game scheduled for Friday the 1st of November will be preceded by a Colombo Schools v KANDY Schools game that is slated to kick-off at 5.30pm.

In a statement issued by the IRB on the tournament and its objectives and overall vision, IRB Chairman, Bernard Lapasset said, “This tournament is great news for the growth of the game in Sri Lanka. It’s important for such a region to host competitions of such standard. It’s a giant leap forward for Rugby in Sri Lanka and in the Asia region and I’m sure fans will be treated to some great, exciting Rugby on display.”

“The fact that we can support such a tournament is testament to the hard work put in on the ground by the SLRFU and its management. I wish continued success to everyone involved for the future.”