Tough task ahead for Sri Lanka 15s team in Malaysia

By Shamseer Jaleel 

The Sri Lanka 15-a-side rugby outfit under Roshan Weeraratne will kick off Division I of the Asia Rugby Championship when they lock horns with the Philippines tomorrow in Ipoh, Malaysia. 

The winner of this event will get a home-and-away encounter against the third-placed team in the top 3 (Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea) for promotion and relegation in 2018. 

This tournament will be Fazil Marija’s last appearance for the country when he takes the field on 20 May against hosts Malaysia. The Sri Lankan outfit coached by Fijian and Army SC Head Coach Verebula Fereti will find it tough as all the other three teams for this event are very strong. Richard Dharmapala, Thilina Wijesinghe (both from Kandy), Nishon Perera, Umesh Madushan, Ashan Darling (all from Havies), Joel Perera (Police SC), Tariq Salih (CR&FC) and Richie Dharmapala (Navy) will be making their debut for Sri Lanka at this event. 

Imad Riyal, a former Sri Lankan player who has now settled in the UAE, will represent his adopted homeland at this event. 

1st Match – 14 May - Sri Lanka vs. the Philippines (2.00 p.m.) 

2nd Match – 17 May - Sri Lanka vs. the United Arab Emirates (2.00 p.m.) 

3rd Match – 20 May - Sri Lanka vs. Malaysia (4.00 p.m.)