Short term goal is to win the league: Ted Muttiah CR President

By Shamseer Jaleel

Former Royal 1982 skipper CR & FC dashing wing three-quarter and national player Ted Muttiah was appointed as the new President of CR & FC at their Annual General Meeting (AGM) which took place at Longdon Place recently.

Speaking to Daily FT, the former Royal skipper and national player Ted said: “In regards to the future of CR rugby the aspiration is to win the league as a short-term goal. In the longer term, we want to position the ‘Red Shirts’ as a club of choice for young and emerging school rugby talent. We want to draw on best practices from around the world to structure our rugby program to integrate key aspects of player’s welfare and life beyond rugby.”

Speaking further on the current health situation around the globe, Ted said: “COVID-19 has enforced a new normal across all facets of the community. Sport is no exception. Aside of the on ground playing considerations, the whole concept of professional rugby in its last known structures is now very much in question. Certainly in the Sri Lankan context it is no longer sustainable.”

On future of the game in the country Ted said: “It is understood that the Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) is considering a restructure of the provincial system. The proposal has merit although how the new structure will improve the deliverables of developing the sport and elevating Sri Lanka Rugby to the top tier in Asia needs transparency.”

Speaking on the sponsors, Ted said: “Of course the revenues of rugby clubs are heavily reliant on the traditional business model based on the sale of food and beverages and sponsorships- ground hoardings and playing kit advertisements. In the current business climate, securing sports related sponsorships will remain exceptionally tough. 

“Uncertain rugby season, impact of social distancing on club food and beverages are already hurting the current operating model. So, in this context, providing a secure income for professional rugby players is already requiring a rethink of club rugby into the future. Perhaps a hybrid of semi-professionalism may become the order of the day.”

Ted led the Royal 1982 outfit only with two coloursmen. The outfit had a good season though losing out on the Bradby to Trinity in a close encounter with Byron Fernando leading the Hill Capital School. 

Ted played club rugby for the Longdon Place Club and went on to represent the national XV-a-side outfit at the 9th Asiad tournament in Fukuoka, Japan, following strong performances with CR in the inaugural Premadasa trophy as a winger scoring four tries in two games. This earned him a selection in the President XV teams in the wing against the visiting Paris University and Westminster Rugby Football Club team in the lead up to the Asiad.

The Sri Lankan outfit was led by C.P.P. Abeygoonawardene and comprised of a very strong squad. Ted scored two tries on his debut against Malaysia.