Junior Asian Rugby 2016: Maduwantha out of Malaysian tour

By Shamseer Jaleel

In a shocking move, the National Rugby Selection Committee omitted Katugastota Antonian schoolboy, Samuel Madhuwantha from the touring squad for the Junior Asian Rugby Tournament at Under-20 level which will take place in Malaysia from 11-17 December.

The likely reason for the selectors to omit him is that his size and weight is lower than a fly half or full back but given the individual brilliance of the player it is unfair. Maduwantha contributed more than 100 points last season for the Antonians. The team left to Malaysia last night to take part in the Asian Rugby Championship Under-20 which will see defending champions Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Taipei and hosts Malaysia battle it out in the group encounters with the team getting the highest points winning the berth for the Junior Rugby World Cup 2017, Division II. Only once before have the Sri Lanka Juniors qualified for this event, which was back in 2002 in Chile.

Samuel Maduwanta

A player who could fit in as either fly half or full back (Maduwantha) was over looked along with Isuru Udayakumara of Isipathana. Maduwantha, is considered to be one of the most accurate place kickers, with his drop kicks being a treat to watch. Furthermore, he guided his school to many victories by contributing over a century of points last season. Former Trinity skipper Rahul Karunathilake was ruled out due to injury. The outfit is led by Royalist Nikila Gunadheera.

Sri Lanka Head Coach Nilfer Ibrahim said: “I am a bit shocked at the final selection of the team, leaving out Maduwantha who will for sure fit in my view. He is the best place kicker in the school arena. A place kicker could change the game within minutes and plays a vital part. The rest of the side looks fit and a lot of leaders are in the outfit. We want to end on top and qualify for the Junior Rugby World Cup next year.”

Squad: Nikhila Gunadeera (Captain), Ashok Vijeykumar (both from Royal), Kushan Indunil (Vice Captain), Vageesha Weerasinghe, Adeesha Eshan, Lahiru Wishwajith, Gayan Wickramaratne, Harith Bandara (all from Isipathana), Sandesh Jayawickrama, Ramesh Fernando, Ravin Yapa (All from St. Peter’s), Supun Wijesooriya (Kingswood), Udaya Sanjula (Prince of Wales), Nirosh Perera, Janith Laksara, Thanuja Maduranga (all from Science College), Rumesh Priyankara (St. Joseph’s), Naveen Heenakankanamge, Dhanuja Wijeratne, Ashvantha Herath, Pandula De Silva (all from S. Thomas’), Shalindra Alahakoon, Avisha Priyankara (both from Trinity), Zayan Sabar (Wesley), Wajid Faumy (Zahira).

Head Coach – Nilfer Ibrahim, Assistant Coach – Terence Henry, Trainer – Nick Globe, Medical – Basith Musheen, High Performance Coaching Director – Inthi Marikar.

Sri Lanka vs. Malaysia – December 11

Sri Lanka vs. Hong Kong – December 14

Sri Lanka vs. Taipei – December 17

Sri Lanka Under-19 outfit before their departure to Malaysia