We want to qualify for Junior World Cup: Martis

By Shamzeer Jaleel

Sri Lanka Junior rugby players led by former Isipathana and Navy SC player Omalka Gunaratne left for Singapore yesterday to participate in the Junior World Rugby Tournament (JWRT) Asian Division I tournament which will take place from 13 to 19 December in Singapore. 

Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore and Sri Lanka will feature in group encounters.

Sri Lanka will play Singapore (13th), Hong Kong (16th) and Taipei (19th). The winner will get a place in the World Rugby Under 20 Division I trophy which will take place, Zimbabwe from 19 April – 1 May 2016. Sri Lanka last qualified for the Junior World Rugby Trophy (JWRT) in 2001 under Jeevan Gunathilaka’s leadership in Chile. The touring squad is an experienced outfit with 10 senior players who played last year’s Asiad in Colombo under Tharinda Rtwatte, and 7 captains who led the respective schools in this year’s Singer league.

Speaking to Daily FT, Sri Lanka Head Coach Sanath Martis said, “We ironed out he issues between the club and national duty with the Sports Ministry getting involved to sort it out. We trained for a 10 day session in Diyatalwa and the boys got into good condition two weeks ago. I am really happy with the preparation but sad that we have to miss out on Number 8 Supun Warunakulasuriya due to an injury. 

“We have come so close to beating Hong Kong on a few occasions. We want to end on top and earn a place for the Junior Rugby World in Zimbabwe next year,” Martis added.