‘I love my mom’s Pittu’ Amjad Sri Lanka’s rugby trouper shares his thoughts exclusively with ThePapare.com. Veteran Buksh is perhaps the only player in the circuit who has achieved a milestone and still playing like his good old days for Hambanthota Sharks club.
- 5 times triple champ with Kandy S.C 2002 – 2006
- 1st International Carlton 7s champ in 2011 (captain)
- League winner with Havelock’s 2012
Can you share your introduction to rugby ?
I started from under 13, actually my brother Ansar Bucks ‘Anju’ who used to play for College and Kandy S.C. and all I did was following him and watching the practice sessions. I was glad on my second year in junior level I ended up captaining the team. Gradually I start playing all the age groups. When I was around 17 I never miss a club rugby game or a national game, always went and watch it.
Why is that?
I had an aim and a vision I thought I want to go high with rugby and it became a passion within me. After playing under 19 I was selected to play for the Junior Tuskers along with Jeewa Galgamuwa Chamara Vithanage etc… I am so glad I had the opportunity to captain Kingswood 7s team in the year 2000.
When did you start your club career?
Soon after College I played for Kandy Youth S.C. then joined Kandy S.C. from 2002 – 2008 I was with the champion Kandy team winning both the league and knockout trophies in a row.
When did you start playing for the senior Tuskers?
During 2003 – 2008, firstly I was selected for Singer 7’s. I was called to play for Asiad, Dubai 7’s, Hong Kong 7’s, South Africa 7’s, etc. That way I cemented my position in both XV’s and 7’s formats of rugby.
What is the most memorable moment of your career?
Becoming the best player in my first Singer 7’s tournament and of course winning the first Carlton 7’s under my captaincy for the Southern Sharks.
How do you keep on playing, is your age a worry ?
No not really, I think it is all the fitness and condition which I had a decade ago, because when you give your best to fitness trainings you will get the best and you need to do this whole heartedly, I reckon that is what is helping me right now. Even though the legs are tiring a bit with the age, it is still in good condition, hopefully will continue one or two more seasons.
Who was your role model?
I had few people as role models when I was playing for College, I keep watching at Sudath Sampath and Leonard De Zilva playing as scrum halves. Internationally I loved to play like Justin Marshall the All Blacks scrum half and also followed Piri Weepu the 2011 World Cup winner.
You were missing out of action for sometime? What happened ?
Yeah, I had a fracture on my forearm; I was missing due to healing process. Had to wait out since 2008 to 2010 June. I never wanted not to quit as I always wanted to hang up my boots in a good way. I have seen so many international players who come after 2 -3 years recovering from their injuries. So I was just patient enough to focus.
10 years ago the box-kick from a scrum was not seen much, it is vital in the modern game isn’t it ?
Yes indeed it is very vital to gain some territory and put the opposite backs on pressure and on the other hand it takes off pressure of your no 10.
Who do you think is the best scrum half right now?
I think it is Srinath Sooriyabandara and Roshan Weerarathne
Do you prefer XV’s or 7’s ?
I love to play both formats, because in Sri Lanka not much rugby is being played. After playing the league you have so much time to play the 7s
What is your favourite food?
I love my mom’s pittu in the morning, I miss it during my stay at in Colombo but whenever I go Kandy I crave for it.
Where do you want to see in Sri Lanka rugby in 5 years?
I like to see Sri Lanka playing a World cup one day, but firstly we have to be top in Asia, I hope SLRFU has a good strategy behind this and hopefully we will focus more on 7;s as it is an Olympic game.
Are you happy with current Sharks performance?
Yes very happy, you know this is just a new team with youngsters where it is improving day by day. I am giving all my experience and the youngsters are keen to learn. Also we have a good coaching unit Nilfer and Ronny Ibrahim helps us with their expertise.
Where do you work ?
I work at Seylan Bank as a sub officer
If you did not play rugby what will you be?
Well I first played Hockey and I played for the national under 17 team also, but I did not see a future in Hockey so I continued what my brother did which is to play rugby.
Is there any special person you want to thank?
Indeed, my Kandy Youth coach George Simpkin, he is one main reason for me to develop as a player also his international experience was priceless. Not forgetting Ananda Kasturiarachi and Mr.Gunadasa who coached me at school. Last but not least, Ronny & Nilfer Ibrahim.
ThePapare.com thanks Buksh not only for his time but for his stealthy service to rugby and wish more strength to his legs.
