Roshan Weerarathna updates ThePapare.com on his personal views where he started representing Under 13 rugby team and about upcoming rugby in Sri Lanka
How was it growing up with a Rugby idol at home – your brother?
It was a fascinating experience. He had my back from the day I started representing Under 13 rugby team itself. He was a true inspiration. Most of the time we used to practice together and he used to motivate me. I had the opportunity to always practice with seniors which gave me clear advantage among my fellow players. I believe this was the reason why I could easily captain the college team. And I’d also like to note I got the opportunity to train daily and we had a great spirit together.
Growing up what was your dream of Rugby?
I had two goals in my life: to play for the national team and for the club Kandy. I am really happy that I stand here today with both of them achieved. My first national match was from Singapore 15 aside tournament against Chinese Taipei and we won where I scored a try as well. Following that we played with Singapore which we won and were able to bring home the championship. This was actually beyond my expectation. I was really proud to represent the country as a teenager.
From young days, as a captain, you had to watch your actions. How did you manage when you made a mistake while the game was on?
A lot of people, specially teammates, look up to me as a captain. This doesn’t mean I can perform perfectly. However, when I make a mistake –miss a pass, a kick – I always have an inner voice telling me to forget it and move on, create a try and bring in balance to the game for what you’ve missed. I think a leader should have this life-force. Though, when a player is down captain is there to motivate him as leader one should always dust yourself off and get back in the game.
Currently you are working at Dialog. What are you plans for future once you’re done with rugby?
Yes, my job is a gift. They are very understanding and I’m pleased to work by my manager. I am looking forward to carry on with this job and meet the expectations which I have missed because of the sport. Also I want to boost my academic background further. Yet for now my plan is to continue at Dialog for what it has provided me when I was in need.
Any huge setbacks you have had in your rugby life?
In 2011 we had a match against Havelocks and we (representing Kandy) lost while they scored over a 50 points. Looking back I think that incident almost brought tears to me. Once the game was going on when they were at 40s I didn’t realize it’ll be such a shock and I stayed focused. Once everything was over it was unbearable. It took like two days for me and my team mates to recover from this incident. We talked to each other and got ourselves back in the game.
Wait, you guys had a loss at 7s aside matches as well recently, can you comment on that from the Kandy club perspective?
Yes but it was a different case. We were actually preparing for the 15 aside matches and the tournament was played with a short notice. Since we weren’t aiming for a massive victory it was fine. Further, speaking on behalf of the club we have tough practices almost similar to nationals but there was small mishap with 7s and 15s practices separately. We are back on the track and it’s nice to have other clubs like Upcountry Lions rising up another contender from the hills.
Any serious injuries, how did you parents react to it if so?
Fortunately I haven’t had any serious injuries and I pray it will be the same in the future. I am very thankful for my parents for having my back for the sport from young days. Although my parents didn’t know what rugby was, at the start, they came to watch my matches all the time. Having this much of a support, I am sure even if I did undergo an injury they will be by my side.
I caught you off Carlton 7s tour. What can you say about the development of rugby in Sri Lanka the recent past?
It’s amazing. A few years back this kind of an experience was unthinkable. We got to play alongside with many international players and I truly enjoyed what Carlton 7s offered. Apart from that generally speaking of the upcoming clubs I am really happy that rugby is spreading around Sri Lanka. We have players from Anuradhapura and Matara now. I am expecting it to reach standards to see kids playing rugby in paddy fields. Within Sri Lanka Clubs have gained lot of fan attention. More than cricket, I hardly see such a huge turn ups to watch a cricket match. I am very optimistic of the recent changes of the rugby.
What can you say about the sport in school level? Any message to the school players
At times I tend to wonder if the standards have decreased. I don’t see much team spirit among upcoming players. Though I became the captain when I was playing for school I got there not by being self-centered. I always preferred the team over my best performance. That’s where it matters the most. I honestly haven’t studied the players to a very great extent in order to make any clear remarks but I’m sure if they have a more selfless passion for the sport, Sri Lankan rugby will thrive in the future. At the end of the day School rugby means international rugby in a couple of years as players leave school.
Lastly, what’s the most memorable moment with your brother?
It’s really difficult to pin down to one. As a brother and a fellow rugby enthusiast I’ve spent lot of time with him. But what I’d like to remind is, as the scrum half I was able to pass to one side. So we used to practice this together and he helped me with passing to the left side as well. When I look back this was life lesson which helped me immensely in my career. So I am be thankful for this valuable lesson passed on by my brother to me. I cherish it.
