Chance in a lifetime for Malaysia and Sri Lanka at Commonwealth Games: Ben Gollings

Asia will have two representatives at the Commonwealth Games 2018 in Gold Coast. That will be Sri Lanka and Malaysia. Number 1 and 2 in Asia participated at the Hong Kong Sevens 2018 qualifications in Hong Kong last weekend which resulted in Asian giants Japan once again claiming their position in the World Series for 2018/2019.

Ben Gollings, former England sevens sensation who was at the Hong Kong sevens, former Sri Lanka sevens Head Coach, is now in an advisory role with Singapore Rugby supporting both their men’s and women’s sevens programs. Gollings said: “I remember playing Sri Lanka in 2006 for England, they are a great side. Having coached them, they have a lot of talent there. It will be tough for them as most of the sides compete regularly in the world series but Sri Lanka can cause an upset and with the type of draw that has been placed on the games this year teams should not take them lightly.

“They have grown and grown. They have stepped up in regard to their fitness and conditioning, which is a very important side of the game that allows them to be more competitive. They understand the game better and are tactically more astute.” For the former Sri Lanka Sevens head coach, the Commonwealth Games was where he won a Silver medal in 2006 in Melbourne 12 years back. Gollings holds the record as the all-time leading point scorer in rugby sevens. (SJ)