Sri Lanka Under-18 Tuskers triumph with Bronze at prestigious Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens 2024

Bronze medalists at the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens, the 12-member Sri Lanka National Under-18 Boys Rugby Team, led by Vishenka Silva and supported by their dedicated officials, have made the nation proud.

Sri Lanka Under-18 Sevens Squad: Vishenka Silva (Captain – St. Peter’s College), Thinethra Dodangoda (Vice-Captain – Isipathana College), Nethshan Peiris (St. Peter’s College), Disas Pathirana (Royal College), Shaakib Zumri (Isipathana College), Nimantha Sandeepa (Isipathana College), Senuth Dinsara (St. Peter’s College), Thatheera Perera (D.S. Senanayake College), Luqman Nadeem (Zahira College), Sadeesha Weerawansa (Dharmaraja College), Kaizer Lye (Wesley College), and Mohammad Fawas (Wesley College) 

The Sri Lanka Under-18 rugby team, known as the Junior Tuskers, clinched a remarkable bronze medal at the Asia Rugby Emirates Under-18 Sevens Tournament, following a nail-biting playoff victory against Malaysia. 

In a thrilling contest, the Junior Tuskers edged out Malaysia with a score of 17 (one goal, two tries) to 14 (two goals), showcasing their resilience and skill on the international stage. Held from 28 to 29 September 2024 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, this prestigious tournament was organised by Asia Rugby and brings together the best young rugby talent from across the continent. It provides a platform for emerging players to compete at an elite level and gain invaluable international experience.

The Junior Tuskers’ participation in this significant tournament marks their return to the international rugby scene after nearly a decade, with high hopes of excelling. The team, consisting of 12 talented players and four dedicated officials, represented Sri Lanka with pride, elevating the nation’s profile in international rugby.

Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider and a prolific promoter of sports, proudly supported the Sri Lanka National Rugby Under-18 Boys Team as the Associate Sponsor. Dialog’s longstanding commitment to nurturing young sporting talent and fostering future champions was evident throughout the tournament. As the foremost supporter of schools and national rugby in Sri Lanka, Dialog remains dedicated to empowering young athletes and shaping the future of Sri Lankan sports. Through initiatives like this, Dialog aims to inspire the next generation of athletes to pursue excellence, elevate Sri Lanka’s national sports teams on the global stage, and ensure the country’s sporting talents receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.

Commenting on the sponsorship Dialog Axiata PLC Vice President – Brand and Media Harsha Samaranayake stated: “We are proud of the Sri Lanka National Rugby Under-18 Boys Team for securing the Bronze medal at the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens. Our partnership with Sri Lanka Rugby reflects our unwavering commitment to empowering the champions of tomorrow. By supporting the team on their journey to this prestigious tournament, we are not only investing in the future of Sri Lankan sports but also creating opportunities for young athletes to showcase their talent on an international stage. We firmly believe in the immense potential of these young players, and it has been an honour to stand by them as they represented our nation with such pride and determination.”

The Sri Lanka Under-18 Tuskers’ triumph at the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens 2024 not only highlights the team’s potential but also underscores Sri Lanka’s growing stature in international rugby, paving the way for future successes.