Sri Lanka tipped to take part in Asia Rugby Under-19 Championship

The Sri Lanka Under-19 outfit is expected to do well and earn promotion to the top division of Asian rugby in 2020

By Shamseer Jaleel

The Sri Lanka Under-19 rugby outfit is very likely to take part in next month’s Asia Rugby Under-19 Championship, which will take place in China from 11-14 December.

Hosts China, Thailand, the Philippines and Sri Lanka are set to play in a league format, with the winner booking their berth within Asia’s top division for 2020. 

A week before this event, the top Under-19 contest in Asia is set to unfold, pitting Hong Kong, Taipei, South Korea and Singapore against each in battle in Taipei. The winner of this event will book their berth for the 2020 Youth Rugby World Cup Division 1.

Sri Lankan representation was in doubt but according to a reliable source, school rugby sponsor Singer Sri Lanka has provided the requisite funds for the tour. Already a Central Province and Western Province outfit have been selected and they will meet in two encounters which will take place shortly before the final squad for the tour is selected. Viper Gunaratne Jr. and Ananda Kasturiarachchi will coach the Western and Central Province teams respectively.

Manilka Ruberu (Isipathana College), Thulaib Hassen (Royal College) and Reshan Bandaranayake (Trinity College) are the frontrunners for the position of team leader at this event.