The Director of Coaching of the national rugby team Inthisham Marikar categorically states that thus far no decision has been taken by the country’s rugby authorities on whether to retain or let go of the services of overseas head coach Rodney Gibbs.
He was referring to the article which was published in The Daily Morning Sports, of 10 July titled ‘Inthi keen to retain Rodney Gibbs’.
Communicating from New Zealand, Marikar maintained that he had at no stage said that he was keen to retain the New Zealander, but emphasised that he will reveal details to that effect only upon his return to Colombo.
Hence, he has sought the aforementioned clarification. Gibbs trained Sri Lanka during the recently concluded four-nation Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship 2025, where Tarinda Ratwatte’s team ended bottom losing all three of their fixtures to Korea, Hong Kong and the UAE, respectively.
Meanwhile, a torrent of questions has also been raised in local rugby circles of the worth in hiring the foreigner-a specialist in Sevens rugby in the first place for a 15-a-side competition.
This is in light of Sri Lanka Rugby having reportedly forked out a monthly sum of US dollar 7,500 (Rs. 2.2 million) to him, but for no tangible results.
Following their listless performance in the said Championship, Sri Lanka now face the prospects of a relegation play-off against Division-1 champions Malaysia.
Rodney Gibbs succeeded former national coach Sanath Martis under whose coaching the ‘Tuskers,’ booked their spot in the top tier of Asia Rugby in 2024.
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