By Asanka Gammanpila
Sri Lanka Sevens men’s and women’s rugby teams left the island this morning to Malaysia to take part in their first Sevens tournament of the year – the Borneo Sevens Rugby Tournament – to be held from 16–18 March.
Last year Sri Lanka men’s team reached only the Plate final, while the women’s team secured their first ever Sevens Cup Championship beating Thailand in the final.
Despite losing former captain Thanuja Weerakkody, who has been ruled out due to a shoulder injury, the team led by Randika Kumudumali is in a positive frame of mind to retain the championship for yet another year.
Women’s team have been in training since last November after Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) introduced a contract system for both men’s and women’s Sevens teams’. Only the women’s team did their training according to the SLR plan, while the men did not train after clubs refused to release their players during the club season, which concluded two weeks ago.
“We did our training thoroughly for the last three months and now it’s time to show the results,” said a confident skipper Kumudumali.
“Injury to Weerakkody is a big loss, but the rest of the players are full of confidence to defend the title,” said the skipper.
Meanwhile, Sudarshana Muthuthanthri was re-appointed to lead the men’s outfit, which comprises mostly young blood, since there are a few injury worries to
senior players. Former Wesleyite and under 20 Sevens player Sithum Peries and Navy flanker Adeesha Weerathunga are set to wear the national jersey for the first time.
Key Sevens players Danushka Ranjan, Srinath Sooriyabandara, Jason Dissanayake and Richard Dharmapala are recovering from injuries.
However, skipper Muthuthanthri is targeting for a better result than last year. “This is like a preparation tournament for us. This time, unlike like last year, players are fitter and we can target a place in the cup semi final,” said the skipper.
Eight teams will feature in the women’s tournament. Sri Lanka tops group A and will play alongside Hong Kong Dragons, Eagles RFC and Saba Sukma. Last year runner-up Thailand is in group B with Singapore, Saba Eagles and Islander Women’s Rugby Club.
14 teams will be in action in the men’s tournament. Sri Lanka is in group B and will play alongside Saba Eagles and Islander Rugby Club.
Women’s Squad: Randika Kumudumali (captain), Ayesha Perera, Ayesha Kaluarachchi, Sanjeewani Wijetilake, Anusha Attanayake, Nadika Munasinghe, Dasuni de Silva, Dilini Kanchana, Dulani Pallikondege, Charani Liyanage, Shanika Madumali and Sandika Hemakumari
Men’s Squad: Sudharshana Muthuthanthri (captain), Tharinda Ratwatte, Chanaka Chandimal, Kevin Dixon, Kavindu Perera, Danush Dayan, Reeza Rafaideen, Buddhima Piyarathna, Sudam Sooriyarachchi, Adeesha Weerathunga, Reyhan Silva and Sithum Peiris.
www.ceylontoday.lk
Be the first to comment