Carlton Super Seven Trophy unveiled

By Cheranka Mendis

The Rs. 3 million Carlton Super Seven Rugby Trophy was unveiled yesterday at the Independence Square in the presence of MP Namal Rajapaksa, founder of the event. The unveiling was followed by the flagging off of the official float for the event.

Aimed at uplifting local rugby, the event is being held for the fifth consecutive year, organised by the largest youth organisation in Sri Lanka, ‘Tharunayata Hetak,’ together with its sports wing Carlton under the supervision of Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU), the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) and the International Rugby Union.

Carlton7s will bring together youth from all corners of the country under 10 teams representing 10 provinces of the country. The teams listed are Uva Vipers, Southern Sharks, Northern Gladiators, Jaffna Challengers, Western Warriors, Eastern Eagles, North Central Typhoons, Sabaragamuwa Stallions and Central Kings. Last year the trophy was taken home by Central Kings.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, MP Namal Rajapaksa stated that under ‘Tharunayata Hetak,’ the goal is to represent all segments of the youth including education, sports and culture.

Acknowledging that initially Carlton7s was organised as an international event, limiting the local ruby talent, he stated that over the years organisers have identified the errors of their ways and switched to a national event last year.

“We realised we could give back only so much to the country through the international event. Identifying this mistake we launched the national tournament last year which was undoubtedly a success.”

Now the Carlton Super Seven covers all districts, welcoming talented rugby players to show off their colours on field.

Adding a competitive edge to the game, each team will have two international players, two A grade Sri Lankan Club Players and one Under 21 school player. “The key feature of the tournament is that world renowned players will be playing alongside the local players sharing their experience, expertise and skill which will help mould Sri Lankan rugby players to enter the international arena in the game.”

Rajapaksa noted that close to 80 locals will be able to draw skills from international players and coaches thanks to the event.

The tournament will be played in two sessions. Session one will be played in Kandy Bogambara Grounds on 26-27 May and session two will be at Police Park Grounds Colombo on 2-3 June.

Rajapaksa also noted that future plans include taking the game to a different province every year for one session, keeping Colombo stable.

The event is sponsored by Sri Lanka Insurance, which Rajapaksa credited as having always come forth to support the event. Named as the nation’s largest and strongest insurer, Sri Lanka Insurance strives to uplift and enhance the environment within which it operates and strongly believes in its contribution towards developing a future generation of holistic individuals.

Acknowledging that sports plays a main role in developing a child physically, mentally and emotionally, the partaking of the Carlton7s project is seen by the company as an opportunity to instil and enhance good values, teamwork and a positive outlook to life.