Marija to lead Lankans at Asian Rugby Championship in Philippines

Thursday, 30 April 2015 01:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel Former Kingswood, Sri Lanka Sevens skipper and Kandy star fly-half Fazil Marija will lead the Sri Lankan rugby team at the Asian Rugby Division I Championship in Manila, the Philippines from 6-9 May. Sri Lanka will be playing alongside Kazakhstan, Singapore and the Philippines. The winner of this tournament will take on the Asian Championship top three bottom finishers in an away match in June. The national side will be coached by former South African and Kandy Head Coach Johan Taylor who has been in charge of the team for the last two weeks. Speaking to Daily FT Marija said: “We had good preparation before the final squad was named with some talented young players. This will be a tough tour after a long club season. We will be up against Kazakhstan in the opener and we are expecting a tough first half where they go flat out. But they are not good in playing in hot conditions. Our game is played during early afternoon which should give us an advantage. Another week’s training will give us good preparation for the tour and cohesion with the new players in the national team who will be making their debut.