Chamara Dabare a product of Royal College has been one of the success stories of Sri Lankan rugby during the past couple of years. He was the recipient of the Royal Crown which is the most prestigious award a sportsman can achieve at Royal College.
This dynamic and versatile winger with his locks of hair-minus the colour is the Lasith Malinga of Sri Lankan rugby. ThePapare.com met with Chamara, the A5N Division I star for a candid interview about his rugby life, inspirations and aspirations.
At what age did you first become interested in Rugby?
Initially I was playing cricket. Then I started playing rugby from U16 age group.
You have represented Sri Lanka in U20 and Sri Lanka National side. What was it like representing Sri Lanka at such a young age?
It was a dream of mine to represent Sri Lanka and I got the opportunity in 2009 and 2010 to represent U20. We defeated Korea in the Junior ASIAD, which had never been done before. And in this year I was selected for the National side for the A5N tournament. This was a great moment for me. The feeling when you first get to wear the Tusker’s jersey is unbelievable.
What has been the greatest highlight of your career so far?
In 2009 we won the School’s League Championship and in 2013 won the Club League Championship with Havelocks but the greatest highlight would be winning the A5N Division I Championship this year.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in your career?
Apart from my parents, my school coach Bilal Yusuf helped me a lot. Whenever I was saying this was tough he motivated me, telling me I can and one day I would be able to represent Sri Lanka. He had confidence in me taught me a lot early on and gave up a lot of time helping me get better. I wouldn’t have made it as a first team player without his help. Also from my school days I always looked up to Fazil Marija. He is one of the best players in Sri Lanka and a very good role model for younger players.
As a player you must have done many a mistake. But what was your biggest mistake?
After leaving school I joined CR & FC. During that time they had many good players, so as a result I didn’t get an opportunity to perform and for around 2 years I did not play any rugby. So what I would advice for a school leaver is to select a club where you get to play regularly.
What is your rugby philosophy?
Give my best during practice sessions and to perfect it. Also the eagerness to learn new things because those are the same lessons I apply during a match.
You have been part of the Sri Lanka 7’s as well as the first XV side. How has been the experience so far in the two formats?
It has been great. I’ve had the support from the seniors. Playing 7’s is very different from the XV a side game. Even though the match length is small you need to utilize all your skills and also need to have a good vision because 7’s rugby is mostly about creativity. With the help of the coaches, especially Ben Gollings I have and am improving my 7’s play.
What advice would you give if you could talk to yourself at age 16?
As a rugby player we make mistakes. It is through mistakes we learn, the results of those mistakes and not to repeat the same mistakes again. It is part of the experience and with it in the future can be better players.
Your rugby career is still young. What are your aspirations?
Currently I am the captain of the Carlton 7’s Uva Vipers team. This is my first captaincy and I hope to do well with my play and leadership. Working with international rugby 7’s stars would be a great experience and I hope to learn from them as well. Furthermore
If a score of 10 means that you have lived your rugby life to the fullest, what score out of 10 would you give yourself on your life to-date? If not a 10 what would you do to get the 10?
I would give it an 8. Because I have a dream of helping the Sri Lankan team, qualify for the Rugby World Cup and play against the top teams in the world.
