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28 March 2024

Lankan star plays for 25th year at Dubai Rugby Sevens

Roger Rodrigo still hungry for success at Dubai Rugby Sevens. (SUPPLIED)

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By Staff

The Dubai Rugby Sevens has grown from a tournament played by invitation teams on sandy pitches at Al Awir in the 70s to evolve into one of the premier Sevens events worldwide.

It will host the second round of the IRB Sevens World Series at the iconic Emirates-built stadium The Sevens on November 29-30.

Having begun 43 years ago, the longest running sports event in the Middle East has seen many legends of international rugby grace Dubai Rugby Sevens.

However, time seems to have stood still for Roger Rodrigo, one of the greatest players to have been produced from the rugby-mad island nation of Sri Lanka.

When the former Dubai Exiles and Arabian Gulf scrum half runs out to represent Lanka Lions in the Gulf Veteran's competition, it will mark his 25th year of participation in the Dubai Rugby Sevens without a break.

No mean achievement for a diminutive player who strode like a colossus even before he became a Dubai resident in 1989.

He was destined to attain greatness ever since he followed in the footsteps of his illustrious brother Ronald Rodrigo who represented Sri Lanka in the inaugural Hong Kong Sevens tournament.

Starting at the age of seven, he took to the oval ball like a duck to water, playing with distinction for his school (Isipathana), clubs (Havelocks and Police) and country before embarking on a memorable rugby journey in Dubai.

Sri Lanka's No.1 scrum half from 1984 to 1989, Roger quickly established him as a regular at Dubai Exiles which was the leading club at the time in the Gulf.

He made an instant impact for Dubai Exiles being adjudged 'Player of the Tournament' at the Dubai Rugby Sevens in 1990, a feat he was to repeat in 1993.

A player who could combine the guile of Fiji legend Waisale Serevi and the goose stepping runs of Australia's David Campese, Rodrigo was an automatic choice for Arabian Gulf in both Sevens and 15-a-side teams from 1989 to 2000.

He regards winning the 'Player of the Tournament' twice at the Dubai Rugby Sevens, probably the only player to do so, and representing two countries - Sri Lanka and Arabian Gulf - as the high point of his career.

But what is the secret of his longevity? "It's the love of the game," said 49-year-old Rodrigo.

"I still train twice a week and play badminton as well," said the evergreen Sri Lanka rugby star who is a Director of Worldwide Sourcing FZC.

Also Sports Secretary of Lanka Lions, Rodrigo still has the hunger to win trophies having got down Sri Lanka Sevens coach Niloufer Ibrahim to guide their side for the upcoming tournament.

Lanka Lions have already warmed up and shown their mettle by winning silverware at the Jebel Ali Classic Sevens last weekend and being runner-up in the Plate competition at the Eden Park Sevens in Al Ain on Friday.

The Lankan team have been Gulf Veterans Plate champions in 2010 and Rodrigo is determined to have a memorable outing this time round again.

Lanka Lions, Khanjar champions in 2008, are confident of springing a few surprises this year.

If they do so it would be a perfect gift for Sri Lanka rugby great Roger Rodrigo who has thrilled fans for the past 25 years at the Dubai Rugby Sevens.