Asia Rugby Sevens 2019: First leg in South Korea

Sri Lanka Women's Rugby squad before their departure to Korea  

• Fastest growing sport gets SAGT support in tandem

By Shamseer Jaleel

The fastest growing sport in Asia, women’s rugby football is fortunate in Sri Lanka as SAGT once again coming forward to prop up with sponsorship for the Asian leg 2019. Both Men’s and Women’s outfit will be in action on 31 August and 1 September at the Namdong Asiad Stadium, Incheon, South Korea.

Head Coach Sudath Sampath before their departure to Korea said, “We will play against Hong Kong, Malaysia and Japan on the first day. It is a tough challenge but our target is to beat Hong Kong. This will allow us to be in the cup quarter final. The outfit is led by Sanjeewani Wijetileke who got ample experience at Asia rugby who is from down south.”

Though Charani Liyanage did not make it to Korea due to an injury the team has got ample experience with Thanuja Weerakody, Ayesha Perera and Randika Kumudumali in the squad which makes a good chance for the national women’s outfit.

Former Royal and Sri Lankan player and Chief Commercial Officer of SAGT, Ted Hiran Muttiah before handing over the jersey said, “There are lot of following for Women’s Rugby in the country catching up Men’s Rugby fast. Further he said, “We are delighted to come and support the women’s team. The best thing you can do for sponsors is to have success. You are setting the foundation for Sri Lanka women’s rugby. You have come a long way but you all know when you play other teams, you have a long way to go. So keep your chins up but play for each other and continue with high team spirit.

Sri Lanka Women’s Rugby Squad

Sanjeewani Wijetileke (captain), Ayesha Kaluarachchi (vice captain), Thanuja Weerakkody, Anusha Athanayake, Randika Kumudumali, Ayesha Perera, Dulani Pallikkondange, Wasana Weerakkody, Shanika Madumali, Nimesha Wijewardena, Jeewanthi Gunawardena, Dasuni de Silva. Manager: Rupika Jayasinghe, Head Coach – Sudath Sampath

Assistant Coach – Upali Wickramasinghe

Physio – Ruwani Deepika

Trainer – Dilan Soyza

Pool C – Japan, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Malaysia

Pool D – China, Thailand, Singapore, Kazakhstan

Danushka leads Men’s outfit in Korea

Sri Lanka Men’s outfit will feature in South Korea aiming at a top 3 position in order to secure a place at the Hong Kong Sevens 2020 event in order to have a berth at the Emerging team event. Former Antonian, Danushka Dyan the experienced will lead the outfit for the first time.

Touring squad

Danushka Dyan (Captain), Srinath Sooriyabandara, Jason Dissanayake, Thilina Wijesinghe (all from Kandy SC), Sudaraka Dikkumbura (Army SC), Kevin Dixon, Reza Rafaideen, Janidu Dilshan and Dinuk Amarasinghe (CR & FC), Nishon Perera, Naveen Heenakankanmge and Anuradha Herath (all from CH & FC). Head Coach Matt Lee (NZ)

Assistant Coaching staff Mohamed Mushtaq and Saliya Kumara

Manager Rohan Chinthaka

Physio Tharaka Vithanage

Strength and Conditioning Dilan Zoysa

Consultant Nalaka Weerakody

Selector on tour Nishantha Chanaka

Men’s

Pool A – Japan, Sri Lanka, China, UAE

Pool B – Hong Kong, Taipei, South Korea, Philippines