Friday Jan 09, 2026
Friday Jan 09, 2026
Monday, 5 January 2026 00:44 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
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Sri Lanka Rugby former President Rizly Illyas
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Former Sri Lanka Rugby President Rizly Illyas has called for urgent accountability at the international level, stating that prolonged inaction by senior officials at World Rugby has enabled serious governance failures within Asia Rugby.
Illyas has directly challenged World Rugby International Federation Chief David Carrigy, whose responsibilities include oversight of international governance and disciplinary processes.
“I openly challenge David Carrigy to convene an independent inquiry into my complaint. I am ready to testify with my legal team and demonstrate that the suspension imposed on me was the result of illegal and procedurally flawed actions,” Illyas said.
He confirmed that a formal appeal was submitted to World Rugby in 2022 through Sri Lanka Rugby and has remained with World Rugby’s senior leadership for over two years.
“Despite having full knowledge of the facts, no inquiry, hearing, or independent review has been convened. This sustained inaction has had the effect of protecting the Asia Rugby President, despite serious concerns regarding due process and natural justice,” he added.
Illyas described the disciplinary proceedings against him as non-independent and driven by personal conflict, resulting in a two-year suspension without a proper legal or regulatory basis.
He identified 2023 as the most troubling phase of the matter, noting that after he resigned as President of Sri Lanka Rugby, the acting leadership at the time agreed to table his complaint to World Rugby, but later failed to do so.
Drawing a contrast, Illyas pointed to the actions of the Japan Rugby Football Union, which pursued due process and secured reinstatement for its members, calling it an example of responsible governance.
Illyas has now challenged both international and domestic authorities to act, calling on World Rugby to table his 2022 appeal and convene a fully independent inquiry, and urging the current elected Sri Lanka Rugby administration to insist on due process.
“Hold the inquiry. Table the appeal. Let the truth come out,” Illyas emphasised.
