Donated rugby shirts to be used in Sri Lanka schools (From Watford Observer)

Fullerians donate rugby shirts to be used in Sri Lanka schools

11:00am Monday 11th March 2013 in News By Frazer Ansell

Dozens of rugby shirts donated in Watford have been presented to five needy rugby playing schools in Sri Lanka.

The shirts were donated by players at Fullerians Rugby Club and shipped and distributed with the help of the Lions Club of Kandy.

The shirts have gone to five different schools in Kandy, Sri Lanka’s most enthusiastic rugby playing state.

Rugby was introduced to Sri Lanka in the late 1800s, and, according to International Rugby Board figures, the country has more than 100,000 players making it the second largest rugby-playing nation in Asia, behind Japan.

Despite that, Sri Lanka is ranked 45th in the world, between the Netherlands and Ivory Coast.

Fullerians club steward Gary Wall said: "I am delighted the shirts have arrived at their destination and that they have been put to good use.

"Hopefully the efforts of us here at Fullers will help encourage rugby and help Sri Lanka improve its game and climb up those world rankings. As long as they don’t start beating England we will all be happy for them!"

The shirt appeal was co-ordinated by Dilshan Senanayake who said: "The jerseys were received with much appreciation by the schools and profound thanks go to Fullerians for their very kind gesture."

The club is continuing to collect shirts and old rugby boots and another donation is expected to be made before the end of the season.