Nilfer and Saliya to Head Men’s and Women’s Coaching

Commonwealth Rugby Sevens 2022

By Shamzeer Jaleel

 Sri Lanka has never missed a representation with a team at the Commonwealth Games Rugby Sevens since its inception in 1998 which took place in Malaysia. But out of these six events only once they

Men's Head Coach Nilfer Ibrahim

Women's Head Coach Saliya Kumara

really showed the globe that they are made for the sevens. This was in Glasgow, Scotland during 2014 when they won the Shield trophy on offer beating Trinidad and Tobago 43/7 in the one sided final.

Sri Lanka Rugby appointed former Kingswoodian, Kandy SC, Navy SC player, former coach of Trinity, Isipathana, Kingswood and current Coach of Joes, Nilfer Ibrahim to Head the coaching unit. Meanwhile former Trinity, Kandy SC player and current Head Coach of Isipathana, Saliya Kumara was appointed as the Women’s Head Coach. National selectors have already selected the initial pool of 20 players where the final touring 12 will be selected.

Speaking to Daily FT, Sri Lanka Men’s Head Coach Nilfer said: “I am happy with the selections, and we have a balanced outfit, most of the players are known to me and there are newcomers like, Ovin Hettiarachchi from St Thomas. We will select the final 12 after the training which will commence on 6 June.

Nilfer speaking further said: “We will focus on the initial days with the squad on areas like the re-starts, defense and rucks. Re-starting is very important. I have watched we have lost a lot of opportunity through re-starting kick off collections. I am very satisfied watching the trial, observing that the players are skilled and knowledgeable. 

Nilfer who took Sri Lanka national team to number three position in the Asian Sevens did remarkably well at school level and later on took charge of the Under 18 outfit at the Youth Games in Man of Isle into a Shield champion outfit will start the training with the national squad on 6 June to identify the touring 12. Former Isipathana and CR and FC player, Rohan Chinthaka will be the Team Manager for the Men’s outfit.

Meanwhile Saliya Kumara has already started the training for the Women’s a week back and will have Sujani Ratnayake as the Team Manager.

Commonwealth Rugby Sevens 2022 will take place in Birmingham during 29 to 31 July. This year Sri Lanka Women’s outfit will participate in their maiden appearance in England.

In 2014 Sri Lanka won the Shield on offer in Glasgow under Fazil Marija with Fijian sevens player Stefano as the Head Coach. The outfit had some top-class players such as Srinarth Sooriyabandara, Anuruddha Wilwara, Mithun Hapugoda, Sadun Herath, Shehan Pathirana, Shenal Dias, Richard Dharmapala and Sudarshana Muthuthanthri to name a few.