As the countdown to the Asian Rugby Division one Tournament begins, Sri Lanka’s rugby enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement. Practices kicked off yesterday, marking the start of rigorous training sessions to determine the lineup for the opening match against India on April 30 at Race course Stadium at 7 p m.
In a show of solidarity and preparation, the entire 30-member squad has been accommodated by Sri Lanka Rugby, providing them with comfortable lodging and nourishing meals in Colombo. The training intensity is apparent as sessions are underway at the Race course Stadium and CR and FC grounds.
Sri Lanka presents an experienced and formidable team, with standout players such as captain Suhiru Anthony, vice captain Tharinda Ratwatte, Akash Madushanka, Kavindu Costa, Heshan Jansen, Dinal Ekanayake and Sudaraka Dikkumbura.
These players have excelled during a superb club season, leaving fans hopeful for a strong performance in the upcoming tournament. Under the leadership of Skipper Suhiru Anthony, known for his discipline and talent, the team is primed for success. Anthony recently led CR and FC to victory in the Nippon Paint League Tournament, remaining unbeaten throughout the campaign. Backing the team is an exceptional coaching panel led by Head Coach Sanath Martis, supported by forward Coach Dushanth Lewke, and Backs Coach Nilfer Ibrahim. This trio brings a wealth of experience from their successful stints in the Sri Lankan domestic club circuit, instilling confidence in the team’s preparation.
Martis, a renowned figure in Sri Lankan rugby, is complemented by the promising contributions of junior coaches Dushantha Lewke and Nilfer Ibrahim, who demonstrated their capabilities during the recently concluded club season.
Their cohesion and support for Martis augurs well for the team’s prospects in the tournament.
The careful selection process overseen by the four-member committee of Sri Lanka Rugby ensures that the best talent is chosen to represent the nation. With Sudath Sampath, Nishantha Chanaka, Rajiv Ganapathy, and Duminda Silva at the helm, the coaching staff is entrusted with the task of finalizing the starting lineup for the clash against India.
Behind the scenes, Sri Lanka Rugby High Performance Chairman Rear Admiral (rtd) . Deshapriya… Hettiarachchi provides the logistical needs, ensuring that the players have everything they need to excel on the field.
The stage is set for a breath-taking start to the tournament, with the first two games scheduled for April 30 at Race course Stadium. The action kicks off with Qatar facing Kazakhstan, followed by Sri Lanka locking horns with India under floodlights. As anticipation builds, fans eagerly
await the outcome, knowing that the Sri Lanka’s journey to the final promises thrills and excitement.
Sri Lanka Rugby squad:
(CR and FC): Suhiru Anthony (captain), Kavindu de Costa, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Murshid Doray, Venura Kodagoda, Adeesha Weeratunga, Lasindu Karunatilake, Raveen de Silva, Manelka Ruberu.
Havelock SC: Janindu Fernando, Shihan Silva, Faiz Abdullah, Azmir Fajudeen, Oliver Buckle, Mohamed Rifan, Dinuka Seneviratne, Randitha Warnapura.
Police SC: Amjad Famy, Mohan Wilamaratne, Lahiru Tillakeratne, Vihanga Kavishka, Akash Madushanka, Hirantha Perera, Sachith Silva.
CH and FC: Charith Silva, Dushmantha Priyadarshana, Pulasthi Dissanayake, Janith Laksara, Dinesh de Silva, Hirusha Sampath.
Kandy SC: Tharinda Ratwatte (vice-captain), Chathuranga Kudalige, Heshan Jansen, Dinal Ekanayake.
Army SC: Nalaka Maduranga, Sudharaka Dikkumbura.
Navy SC: Stephan Gregory, Dhananjaya Seneviratne.
Air Force: Shashika Fernando.
Sajeewa Jayakody