In its series ‘know your tuskers’ ThePapare.com caught up with Navy player and Tusker Chula Susantha at the Race Course grounds for a closer look into his rugby life.
You had been playing rugby since a very young age. How did rugby affect your personal life and academics?
Yes I started playing rugby when I was only 11 years old. Though rugby was a challenging sport my father helped motivate me to keep on practicing. As I grew older I ended up focusing on Rugby more than my academics. I was always committed to the sport since the first day I represented school under13 rugby team I think I have learned a lot through Rugby compared to my school life.
So share with us how you felt once you got selected to the national team ?
Firstly my goal was to get into the under19 national team. Unfortunately I couldn’t make it through the selection process. It was something I had dreamt of for so long. Then I learnt my pitfalls and competed for the under20 national pool selections, where I finally accomplished my target. It felt really good especially since I was working really hard for this since under19 selections.
What’s your perspective about family life?
Well, I don’t enjoy the predictable lifestyle of attending a job etc. Maybe the reason is I have been shaped with the sport for so long that I am used to my daily life spent around the game. All the things I have achieved so far are through Rugby. I am very thankful for all those who helped me to get here. However life is difficult as a national player. I have my life goals and I am committed to achieving them.
The rugby fan base is improving day by day. How has their support affected your life and goals mentioned above?
Yes, today the support is surprisingly high and rock solid. We have recognition way more than what it used to be. The huge turn- out for matches motivates us to play harder every day. But as far as your personal life goes, we really need to work our own way up; there will not be any backing from others in this aspect. But I think our fans are still evolving. At a certain point life will definitely become better for a Rugby player personally and professionally.
You had a switch in the positions when representing the national team from center to wing 3/ hooker. Are you comfortable with this change?
Regardless of the position I try to perform my level best. Both the positions are very challenging. Relatively I think you need to be more effective as a wing 3. So with the experience I’ve had so far I am confident in my positions. Any rugby player should be able handle such changes when playing for 7s.
If you were to share the most important lessons you’ve learned from a coach what will they be?
I learnt a lot of technical stuff for my sport through Ben Gollings; however, if I am to share advice it’ll be from my coaches during school days. Firstly you need to practice as hard as you can and earn a good position in the team. Being punctual too matters in this case. At the end, victory is the ultimate prize. In my past experiences I feel that you should never give up till the last minute. These advices have helped me to curve my personal career a lot. And on the same note I’d like to mention Mr. Jayathilaka who helped me a lot in my life with such advice. Not only did he helped me with my sport but also with my school change from Isipathana to Kingswood.
Talk to us about the practice sessions at Navy and Nationals? What are the main differences you see between these?
I really enjoy practices at Navy. Joining Navy was one of my personal goals in life. But if I were to pick a practice session I’ll go with Nationals. They are very productive sessions and the national coaches always push us to our extreme limits. I have gained many tactics through national practices. I believe it’s mostly because the coaches have international exposure and they try to set us to greater standards.
A few years back you mentioned that your short term aim is to be a permanent member of the Navy team and the National pool. How do you feel now?
Even today I really love playing Rugby 7s and further want to make it in the national squad. So considering those short term ambitions I guess they haven’t changed but I have grown to be even more committed towards them. Apart from that I’d like to make the maximum out of the ruby related opportunities I get.
There are so many young rugby players from both your schools that look up to you as a senior, any message for them?
Firstly I’d like to say I am truly impressed about the standards of the school players today. Regardless of how talented you are you should always follow the coach and straighten up your basics. Being punctual is very important. On a more personal note, I am convinced that if one can manage both studies and language that’ll be very useful. If you have ab idea to play for the national team having a good command of English is also important.
Considering rugby, anything that you believe you have to improve on or couldn’t to achieve so far?
The most depressing concern for me right now is that we, the navy team, weren’t able to win a championship since 2009. We have changed our coaches and are looking forward to work ourselves to the top within this year. Hopefully we’ll be able to achieve it before long.
Finally, how would you wish to be remembered by your peers and fans?
I never was in rugby for personal gains. Sure, I have my personal objectives but when it came to a game I wanted to work for my team. I’d like to be known as a good spirited selfless persona. Even as I grow older I want to make sure I give my level best to the game, maybe it’s just helping out a random kid with a few tactics but I’ll be happy to help out. There were many who helped me to achieve this position in my rugby career and the only way to repay that debt is by helping someone in need.
