Havies and Police release their youngsters for Junior World Rugby Tournament

By Shamseer Jaleel

Havelocks SC and Police SC have confirmed that they have given the green light for their recently registered young players for them to participate in the 10 day training camp in Diyatalawa.

The Junior World Rugby Tournament (JWRT) Division I will take place in Singapore from December 13 to 19. Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Taipei and hosts Singapore will lock horns in the league format encounters. The winner will get their berth at the 2016 Junior Rugby World Cup.

Sri Lanka youth squad was picked last week by the national selectors Headed by Michael Jayasekera with the support of Aruna Uduwelagedera, Sajith Mallikarachchie and Rohan Abeykoon. The selected 35 players will undergo a 10 day training camp, final 22 on tour will be selected soon afterwards. Players who have not been released by the clubs have been told by the Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) that they will have to explain their position before their cases are taken up, possibly with the Sports Ministry which will in turn present the matter to the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) that has jurisdiction over clubs. Main reason for clubs like CR & FC and Navy SC to stand firm without giving the green light for the youngsters is due to Inter club rugby season is round the corner and injury worries could keep the youngsters away from rugby.

Three of the youth players Omalka Gunaratne (Isipathana), Isuru Rangala (Trinity) or Kevin Dixon (St Peter’s) are the hot favourates to grab the leadership role on Singapore tour with veteran Sanath Martis Heading the coaching unit.