Terrorism, again, this time in the form of religious based extremism has struck in Sri Lanka. Let me begin by remembering those innocent victims of this gruesome attack and families it ripped apart. Easter Sunday as we know it, will never be the same. Ever. Ever-again.
Violence of this most extreme form, must be totally condemned if human civilization is to survive. This was cowardly and dastardly.
It has put the brakes on all facets of life in the island nation as security forces look to weed out the perpetrators of this monstrosity. Rugby football and the schools league is very much a trivial pursuit, as are any and all sporting events.
Visit the HUB: SCHOOLS RUGBY
Nonetheless, it is a major draw card for the local rugby fans. Presently, relegated to a mere backdrop to the sorrow filled loss of life as a result of suicide bombings.
Read more: Schools Rugby to be further postponed
The local rugby community lost several of their own along with family and friends. In short, this affected almost everyone and cut across the entire nation and beyond. Innocent lives taken away, murdered in cold blood. Resulting in a precarious situation where the country’s security is now in question.
Schools rugby which generates a large turnout and fan following will be scrutinized for this very fact, as public gatherings will be deemed as potential risks in the current climate.
So, where and what does this leave SSL2019 at?
Moreover, the Bradby shield, in its 75th or Diamond anniversary– a game which has been a lifetime in the making and how will it be affected?
Deferred decision
Given the severity of the situation and that schools are to reopen on the 6th of May, the decision for the green light has since been deferred to the ministry of education. They and the minister will have the final say on it. In all likelihood, a further postponement of the SSL19 is imminent.
There have also been “soft-talk” of an outright cancellation.
Public safety is paramount and risking life and limb at the hands of terror, in the name of sport is simply not worth it. There is more to life than rugby no matter how fanatical it’s following. Ironic, given that this situation has come about due to fanatics of a different kind. Extremist terrorists.
So, what’s next?
If in case of a postponement, then we can all hope with baited breath and expect for a date of commencement. This date, under the current circumstances, if anything at all, may take longer than expected. Any such decision will come with a huge responsibility and scrutiny by those who make it. Hence my reasoning that it may take longer.
That said, if there is going to be either a. Postponement b. Cancellation or c. any other option, swift and decisive communication is the way forward. It is what “everyone” is hanging out for.
This will give rugby its own way of giving the situation some stewardship/leadership which is what this great sport has taught all of us. It is all a bit of a guessing game at the moment.
Bradby shield dilemma
As it stands, Bradby 75 is slated for the 11th and 25th May. The first leg doubles up as a league fixture. History and tradition dictates this to be one of the greatest draw cards with a guaranteed full house. Again, under these circumstances– a postponement, looks the most likely outcome with an announcement expected as early as today (Monday).
Given the significance of the occasion and expectant supporters both at home and overseas, (looking forward to the fixtures), organizers will be under huge pressure to communicate their decision. Sooner rather than later.
Regardless, even if the situation improves and some direction arrives, the Ministry of Defence may have a say on limiting public events and gathering of large crowds. So, this may bring into play a third option which I would like to suggest. Not just for the Bradby but the entire league.
Playing behind closed doors
This is done on numerous occasions in international and top grade football. It’s a simple concept. The teams and essential support staff with a handful of accredited personnel go ahead and play the game at a venue. Except of course, there are no spectators at this venue.
The only saving grace being, the game gets telecast LIVE, as they would always be. The only difference, the venue will be a ghost town. The example below is a good one.
England and Croatia back in 2009 (as a result of prior crowd violence)
The match takes place at Stadion HNK Rijeka, in the city of Rijeka. The stadium has a capacity of just over 8,000 spectators – but will soon become local club HNK Rijeka’s training ground when the new Stadion Kantrida is opened. Croatia have played there just twice before. (Courtesy of Skysports.com)
The whole logic behind this being that public security being prioritized and minimizing gathering of large masses . This will require a lot of discipline and coordination as cutting corners and add-on “invitees” can’t converge at the venue and respect the security protocol. In case of schools rugby, this will test every aspect of this. Who’s who and “connections” can’t be given allowances.
I would like to think this option would be an extreme measure should seeking security clearance be a major hurdle. Something for the organizers to ponder as a last resort for all games– not just the Bradby shield.
So by saying this and discussing a possible resumption, I trust that it speaks on behalf and what the Sri Lankan rugby community have been thinking for the past few days. All that aside, let me reiterate that the sport we all love is but a minor side show to the sheer loss of life and grief, which the country is grappling with.
It is far bigger than a game or the continuation of an amateur school boy sports league. Symbolically, though, it may highlight some solace and way forward, signaling a return to normalcy.
After all, if rugby has taught us anything, it is that in times of adversity, we all bind together and play for one another. Let me finish this by a tagline the British and Irish Lions adopted in their history making tour of South Africa, in 1997. “The bigger the challenge, then the bigger the response”.
Read more: Sri Lanka (club) rugby reforms bill
Footnote: as a mark of respect for the victims of the Easter attacks, there was no #straightup video segment. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ThePapare.com
