Rugby: Sri Lanka lures Bay stars

Sir Gordon Tietjens and Matua Parkinson will feature at Sri Lanka's two-week festival of sevens that begins in Colombo next week.

With the support of Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa, whose son is a very good sevens player, the tournament has attracted international players from Fiji, Samoa, South Africa, US, Kenya, Australia and New Zealand.

It is hoped to increase the depth of rugby in the country of 20 million people.

Parkinson leaves today and will play in a team that includes All Blacks Sevens stars DJ Forbes and Luke Masarewa.

"I love the thought of leaving Tauranga to support local communities in Sri Lanka," Parkinson said.

"Perhaps some of my experience can rub off on them. Working and helping these guys promote rugby as their No1 sport is no different in doing the same for our clubs in the beautiful Bay of Plenty. And hey, I get to train and play alongside outstanding sevens players like DJ Forbes and Luke Masarewa."

Tietjens is going to Sri Lanka as a special guest of honour.

"I have been invited over as their guest for 10 days and to have me over there is, I suppose, a coup for the tournament.

"Some of my players are going over, like Kurt Baker, DJ Forbes and Lote Raikabula. There are three overseas players in each team, and only two can play at any given time on the field, and they will help educate the Sri Lankans," Tietjens said.

"Matua just happened to come over to my office one day and they were looking for a forward. He is a very good sevens player and will be able to coach as well."