Etisalat Panthers players revealed

As the excitement around the Sri Lanka Super Sevens builds up, Etisalat Lanka joined in to heighten the anticipation with the announcement of its Etisalat Panthers team members. 

The tournament returns to Kandy’s Nittawela grounds after five years for the first leg of the tournament, which will be held on 8 and 9 July.

Etisalat fields a side of strong star performers from the national, club and school rugby circuits. The team captaincy has been entrusted to seasoned fly-half Fazil Marija. He will be joined by equally experienced local and foreign players to drive the Etisalat Panthers towards victory. Debuting in the franchise rugby circuit will be Naveen Henakankanamge and Vimukthi Rahula, who have represented their respective school and Sri Lanka youth teams in recent months. Asanka Rodrigo will coach the Etisalat Panthers through this tournament, while Mahesh Kumara will manage the team. 

“We commenced our practice sessions this week. Though we have got well-seasoned players in the team, we are still going ahead with two practice sessions per day. The Etisalat Panthers will be joined by four foreign players next week and the practice sessions will allow us to identify each player’s strengths on the field,” Etisalat Panthers Coach Asanka Rodrigo noted.

Etisalat Panthers Manager Mahesh Kumara, who also holds the position of Assistant Secretary and Chairman of Rugby Development for Sri Lanka Rugby, commenting on the overall tournament, stated: “The Super Sevens tournament enables players to be observant of the dynamic strengths of each player. The franchise team model encourages our rugby players to perform better in the field, so they could further their rugby career to an international platform.”

Finishing up their practice sessions, team captain Marija shared his thoughts on the tournament and the team, saying: “We have experienced players in the team and we have all met in the field representing different clubs. Being part of a franchise team can be seen as a challenge and an advantage. As the captain of the team I have to ensure that we all get along as a team and I believe the frequent practice sessions will allow the team to bond over tackles followed by rucks and mauls.” 

The game of rugby is no stranger to Etisalat and the brand takes pride in being the custodians of the Kandy Sports Club and Sri Lanka Army rugby teams. Their longstanding partnership with these two clubs is a testament to enriching and cherishing the best interest of the people of Sri Lanka in the field of rugby.

“We are humbled to announce our franchise team Etisalat Panthers’ participation at this year’s Super Sevens and believe that our association in this tournament further establishes our unrelenting support to enrich this magnificent game, allowing Sri Lanka Rugby to reposition itself in the international arena,” stated Chief Commercial Officer Etisalat Lanka Khalifa Mahmoud.

The brand believes that investment in sports is vital as it resonates with a key aspect of their brand value in enhancing customer experiences. While the local and foreign players resume their positions in each of their chartered teams, Etisalat wished all the participating teams the best of luck.

Team Etisalat Panthers comprises Fazil Marija (Captain), Anuradha Herath, Srinath Sooriyabandara, Suhiru Anthony, Naveen Henakankanamage (U-23), Vimukthi Rahula (U-23), Chamara Dabare, Shenal Deelaka, Nalin Kumara, Kushan Indunil and Mohamed Rizvi.

The foreign players will be announced next week.