Sooriyabandara to miss out on Hong Kong Asian Sevens

Wednesday, 20 August 2014 02:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The first leg of the Asian Sevens series 2014 will kick off in Causeway Bay in Hong Kong on 23 August. Sri Lankan will miss the service of star scrum half Srinarth Sooriyabandara who was also the leading try scorer and local player of the tournament at the Carlton Super Sevens which concluded recently. According to his doctors he was asked to rest for two weeks, will be fit for the second leg in Malaysia in the first week-end of September.

Sri Lanka will be once again led by dashing International famed Fazil Marija. Both Shenal Dias and Mithun Hapugoda nursing injuries will also miss this tour. Former Isipathana player Hirantha Perera will make his debut on this Hong Kong tour. Kandy SC will feature half of the side (6 players). Asian Sevens Series is an annual ranking competition for Rugby Sevens that has been mounted by Asian Rugby Football union (ARFU), in 2014, three events will be held as part of the ARFU Asian Sevens Series – Hong Kong, Malaysia and China will host the three legs. The series will further increase the profile of the game and play an invaluable role in preparing the continent’s teams for the HSBC Sevens World Series participation and eventual qualification for the Olympic Games starting in 2016.

The Hong Kong Asian Sevens marks the first time that the tournament will be played in Hong Kong. A total of 20 teams (12 male and 8 female) will compete in the tournament. Japan are the defending champions with Hong Kong placed second and Sri Lanka occupying the number three slot. Squad: Fazil Marija (capt), Gayan Weeraratne, Lavanga Perera, Nigel Ratwatte, Richard Dharmapala, Anurudha Wilvara (All from Kandy SC), Sandun Herath, Shiran Muthuthanthri, Shehan Pathirana, Danushka Ranjan (All from Havelocks SC), Hirantha Perera (CR & FC) and Dinusha Fernando (Navy SC) Coach: C Staefano (Fiji and Sri Lanka Navy SC) Manager: Rohan Chinthaka (Isipathana and CR & FC) (Subject to approval from Ministry of Sports)

Ayesha to lead Sri Lanka Women’s sevens team to Hong Kong

The Sri Lanka women’s sevens rugby outfit will take wing to Hong Kong for the first Asian Sevens series 2014 which will take place at the Hong Kong Football Club in Causeway Bay on 23 and 24 August. There will be eight teams taking part in this tournament divided in to two groups in the initial stage. The team will be coached by former CH & FC and Sri Lanka winger Chandrishan Perera. Squad: Ayesha Perera (capt), Thanuja Weerakkody, R.S. Hemakumari, Nadeeka Munasinghe, Sandeepa Sandamali, Randika Kumudumali, Kaushani Wijekoon, Neranjala Wickremaratne, Anusha Attanayake, N.J.K. Dilkukshi, Thilini Senanayake, T.D.G. De Silva Coach: Chandrashan Perera Manager: Wing Cmdr. Thilangani Warakagoda Physio: Niroshini Wijeyaratna