Captain of the Sri Lanka rugby team Yoshitha Rajapaksa alleges that players are prioritizing their clubs over the country, and says such players fall into the category of traitors.
He was speaking to the media today (Apr. 09) prior to the departure of the team for the Philippines to take part in the HSBC Five Nation rugby Asiad.
The captain claimed that Sri Lanka has been unable to excel at international level due to this situation.
If this is to be changed, a group of patriots should be cultivated, he said, adding that he does not see even senior players having a determination to play for the country.
Selectors originally named a 23 member squad for the tournament, but several seniors opted out citing personal reasons.
A new squad was named thereafter.
Sri Lanka will play three games in the tournament, the first being an encounter with Chinese Taipei in Manila on April 15.
SLM
He was speaking to the media today (Apr. 09) prior to the departure of the team for the Philippines to take part in the HSBC Five Nation rugby Asiad.
The captain claimed that Sri Lanka has been unable to excel at international level due to this situation.
If this is to be changed, a group of patriots should be cultivated, he said, adding that he does not see even senior players having a determination to play for the country.
Selectors originally named a 23 member squad for the tournament, but several seniors opted out citing personal reasons.
A new squad was named thereafter.
Sri Lanka will play three games in the tournament, the first being an encounter with Chinese Taipei in Manila on April 15.
SLM
