IRB strips Sri Lanka rugby of full member status

COLOMBO // The International Rugby Board (IRB) has stripped Sri Lanka's rugby union of full member status after it failed to conduct board elections in accordance with the governing body's bye laws.

The decision followed ongoing concerns regarding the governance and management of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) after it missed a January 31 deadline for elections in line with its constitution, the IRB said in a statement.

"The SLRFU will now revert to IRB Associate Member status with a further review to be held on April 1, 2011 pending the successful completion of the Union's AGM and board elections," the IRB said.

"The SLRFU remains entitled to participate in Asian Rugby Football Union competitions subject to the Regional Association's rules."

Sri Lanka have earned promotion to the main HSBC Asian Five Nations tournament for the first time this year. The other nations taking part include the UAE, as well as Japan, Hong Kong and Kazakhstan.