Shock demise of rugby promoter

By Shamseer Jaleel

The rugby fraternity was in mourning yesterday after hearing the shock news of the death of a livewire in Hamza Hidayathulla who has been described as a ‘die-hard rugby personality’.

He was a former Executive Director of Sri Lanka Rugby and also played a leading role in the fortunes of St. Peter’s College rugby being the founder secretary of the school’s Rugby Foundation.

Hidayathullah, a family spokesman said, died of a sudden heart attack yesterday at the age of 49.

He was also a one-time match commissioner and his funeral took place in Oman yesterday. He refereed as an assistant in tournaments in the United Arab Emirates and the Dubai Sevens.

Close aides of Hidayathullah said he left an indelible mark on the game and his legacy will forever echo on the fields of St. Peter’s rugby.