Players protest as SLRFU selects final 25

• 
• 

Details

Category: rugbyfootball

Published on Wednesday, 20 April 2011 14:18

Written by Sankha DLT

Hits: 3689

The rugby governing body Sri Lanka rugby football union announced today 20th April, the final 25 man squad for the Asian five nations opener. The SLRFU which had a press conference yesterday gave out a pool of 33 players for the upcoming game against the UAE on Saturday 23rd April at the CR&FC.

Players protest

ThePapare learns from reliable sources that the 33 man squad which has attended the training session today has not taken the field until the selectors appointed the final 25 man squad. Michal Jayasekera the chairman of selectors has then showed up to announce the final squad.

The final squad is as follows

Eranga Swarnathileka

Position - PROP FORWARD

Club -NAVY SC

Age -27 year old

Swarnathileka is a powerful, explosive prop who has risen through the ranks to become one of Sri Lanka’s leading forwards. He is just 27 but already has a lot of games under his belt for the Lions. A talented ball player, Eranga will again look to dominate his side of the scrum, and take every opportunity to show his impressive running and handling skills in open play. The former Anthonian skipper and prop forward was known as a very destructive player in the front row and has so far cemented a permanent place in the Sri Lankan team since he made his debut in 2005. The big colossal prop forward from Katugastota who was known to muscle his way during the set pieces is an automatic choice in the front row.

The lad from Kalugala Road Katugastota, Kandy formed one of the most feared combinations together with his brother Suranga Swarnathileka especially during their final year. Both Swarnathileka brothers then went on to represent the junior national team.  Also known as ‘Podi’, Swarnathileke carried the weight of the pack on his shoulders leading from the number eight position while playing in school.

Henry Terrance

Position - PROP FORWARD

Club -CR&FC

Age -25 year old

‘Big HENRY’ is one of the biggest blokes in the team, A versatile player, Henry has featured on both sides of the scrum in the first class representative arena. The former Wesley College prop has represented the country in many tournaments including the Asian five nation’s qualifier last year.

In 2008 he made the Sri Lankan team for the first time and has since then turned up for the Lankans. The Big lad in the front will be a big asset especially in the main games against Kazakhstan and Japan.

Sathya Ranatunga

Position - PROP FORWARD

Club     -CH&FC

Age        -23 year old

Ranatunga is a talented prop with the ability to play on both sides of the scrum. He has performed with distinction for CH&FC over the last three seasons and has previously represented Trinity College in Secondary Schools. Ranatunga who is a big bloke will add a lot of weight in to the pack and will be used especially during set pieces.

His expertise in the scrums will no doubt be useful mainly against the bigger sides in Asia.

Nishal Meepage

Position - PROP FORWARD

Club     -Army SC

Age        -31 year old

After a stellar season for the Army SC in 2010 backed up by an impressive showing in the previous years and also in the national team, Meepage was reselected for the Sri Lankan team last year for the qualifier for the Asian five nations. With the retirement of greats such as Viraj Prasantha, Anuja Perera, Danushka Botheju, Meepage is amongst some of the few have stayed on and has taken a lead in the front row during his stint in the Lions jersey.

He has since developed into a fine prop during his time at Army and showed real promise in last year’s interclub rugby league tournament producing a number of brilliant performances in his appearances in 2010. He also led the defense services XV against the SLRFU XV to a win last year beating them 39-10.

Achala Perera

Position - HOOKER

Club     -Kandy SC

Age        -27 year old

The former Kingswood College skipper and seasoned front row forward will take on the role of hooker and will add a lot of experience to the front three. An accurate lineout thrower and strong scrummager, Perera is equally comfortable in the running game, where his skills and background make him almost a fourth loose forward.

The dynamism of Perera provides the Lankans with a superb counterpoint to the hard-nosed approach of the traditional Sri Lankan front-row forward. The former Kingswood College hooker played for CH&FC for three years captaining the final year (2009) before shifting the central province to further his career with Kandy SC, and the move paid dividends as the 27-year-old played a major role in Kandy’s dominance. Perera is also a dynamic player and strong ball carrier with a high work rate.

Bilal Hassen

Position - HOOKER

Club     -CR&FC

Age        -22 year old

The current CR&FC hooker cum third row forward, Bilal is a dynamic forward who can occupy both the front row as well as the third row. Known to be an explosive number eight during his school days, the power packed forward has taken on the role of hooker in his club and national appearances. Bilal who is not the best of throwers in the line out’s makes up for it in open play and is one of the most destructive players in the club circuit. He also won the best player in the final in the previous Mercantile sevens tournament. Bilal Hassen is a fitness fanatic and an extremely strong player.

He continues to grow year-on-year and after another impressive outing for CR&FC in the 2010 Singer inter-club tournament, he will be hoping to get more game time in 2011.

Hassen has also shown his ability to cover prop, playing in the position on a number of occasions with CH&FC, his earlier club in 2009.

Keith Gurusinghe

Position – FLANKER/NUMBER 8

Club     -HAVELOCKS SC

Age        -19 year old

2010 was a pivotal year for Keith Gurusinghe who really came of age as one of Sri Lanka’s premier junior third row forwards. For such a large, imposing forward, his real attribute lies in his mobility around the field, as he plays like another loose forward. He has represented Sri Lanka at under-19 level and was a key member of the all-conquering St. Peters sides of 2007 while playing an equally important role in 2008, but the most notable achievement will be leading the Invincible Petes to schools Triple Crown last year. This Dynamic number 8 played a major role in the league and led by example.

The 20010 St. Peters third row forward has tremendous speed, strong cover defense and is an exciting prospect for the upcoming tournament.

Dinesh Sanjeewa

Position – SECOND ROW

Club     -CH&FC

Age        -28 year old

The former CH&FC skipper and national player Dinesh Sanjeewa has been a regular in the lock position for the Lankans in recent times. The 28 year old Sanjeewa made his debut playing for the country in 2005 and since then has donned the national jersey frequently.

Sanjeewa who is considered as one of the best line out Jumpers in the country, thrives on ball in hand and is a powerful runner in open play. Sanjeewa who was a product of Ananda College made his first appearance for the Maitland crescent club in 2005 and since then has been a permanent member in the national squad. The big framed Sanjeewa is a key player especially in set pieces and will be looked to as the main jumper together with Senaka Bandara.

Senaka Bandara

Position – 2ND ROW

Club -KANDY SC

Age        -30 year old

The burly lock burst onto the scene with some eye catching performances the hill capital rugby giants, and he was later selected for his debut season for the senior national rugby team later where he excelled.

His power, aggression and athleticism make him an extremely exciting prospect for the Sri Lankans in 2011, and he will be pushing his locks all the way for a starting spot. He has previously represented Sri Lankan team in many major tournaments over the years. An extremely physical player and a strong lineout jumper, Bandara brings in a lot of know-how in to the forward pack.

Danushka Perera

Position - FLANKER

Club     -NAVY SC

Age        -27 year old

The former Josephian rugby captain and current Navy player Perera has been the backbone of the CR&FC defense for many years and will now appear for his new club Navy SC for the 2011 club season. Danushka ‘Gertha’ Perera as he is well known bring with his a sense of aggressiveness and control to the third row.

This season, the burly lock/loose forward is eyeing the Number 8/flanker jersey for the Navy team. A raw and powerful number third row forward, Perera had a superb season with CR&FC last year and was  rewarded with a call up to the national sevens team last year.

A product of St Josephs College Colombo, Perera played representative rugby for his alma-mater from junior age groups through to the Under-19 level, and also was a member of the Sri Lanka Schools team.

Sean Wijesinghe (C)

Position – FLANKER/NUMBER 8

Club     -KANDY SC

Age        - 29 year old

Leading the Lions for the all important tournament will be the former Trinitian and Kandy SC flanker Sean Wijesinghe. Sean who has been one of Kandy’s most fearsome players has been a regular in the national team and has been known for his swashbuckling tackles and his die hard attitude to the game.

He represented Trinity College in the 1999/2000/2001 seasons and went on to vice captain the Trinity Lions in 2001 and made his national rugby debut in 2002/2003 season. He was appointed captain of the Kandy SC side in 2008 where the upcountry giant’s immerged unopposed champs in both league and knock tournaments. Sean who has an astute way of thinking goes about his business in a very professional manner and will without a doubt lead from the front in all four games in the A5N. A consistent performer and a born leader Sean is certainly one to keep a close eye on for the in 2011 season.

Sajith Saranga

Position – FLANKER/NUMBER 8

Club     -KANDY SC

Age        -21 year old

The young ‘HULK’ who turned out for Kandy SC Sajith Saranga is one of the most devastating loose forwards in national rugby, with his tenacious defense and slick ball handling skills earned him a solid spot in the national team from 2008.

Saranga who was a proud product of Isipathana College was a star performer in school and went on to represent the junior national side in 2008. The long limbed third row forward is the player to give the forwards the ‘go ahead ball’ and his speed will also give him a slight advantage over the opposition. Saranga was a regular member of the sevens national sevens squad last year and played a pivotal role in the Carlton sevens tournament.

Yoshitha Rajapakse

Position – FLANKER/NUMBER 8

Club     -NAVY SC

Age        -24 year old

The former Thomian and Navy SC skipper has bought about resurgence in forces rugby since of late while playing an integral part in the Navy third row. Big, strong and fast, he has all the attributes to be a top quality loose forward. He has previously represented Junior national team and made his debut in 2010 representing the senior team where he came out for the Asian five nations qualifier last year.

A specialist blind-side flanker, ‘Yo’ is a promising loose forward and the younger brother of Namal Rajapakse. He was the captain of the Navy team in 2009 which stunned the rugby community by beating the once unbeatable Kandy team.

Roshan Weeraratne

Position – SCRUM HALF

Club     -KANDY SC

Age        -21 year old

He was called into the Sri Lankan under 19 in the year 2007 and went on to vice captain the junior national side in 2009. Probably one of the best players to come out from Kingswood College, Roshan started playing in the under 19 side at the age of 15 he soon went on to become a vital cog in the Kingswood team captaining in his final year where they ended up third in the league.

One of Sri Lanka’s most prominent backs, Roshan has the skill and talent to play anywhere in the backline from first five-eighths out.

His eye for a gap and deceptive turn of pace makes him a real handful for opposition defenses and he has the habit of making spectacular breaks when least expected.

The Former Sri Lanka Under-19 halfback made his senior national debut in 2010 after joining a depleted Sri Lanka team which toured India for the commonwealth sevens tournament. He has since gone on to establish himself in a Lankan jersey after being selected in 2010. Roshan, who is currently playing for Kandy SC, made an immediate impact in the club scene scoring rapidly in the 2009 and the 2010 seasons. Nicknamed the ‘Robo’ Roshan is a good reader of the game and a fine asset for rugby in Sri Lanka.

Prasad Chathuranga

Position – SCRUM HALF

Club     -KANDY SC

Age        -29 year old

Known by his teammates as ‘little Chathu’, Prasad is a nuggety halfback who brings plenty of experience and talent to the Sri Lankan halfback stocks for 2011. He, who is a fine product of St. Anthony’s College went on to play for Kandy sports club and in 2007 and led the Kandy team to victory. Chathuranga was a part of the historical team which beat the Belgium players in 2001 to record a win in 9 years to win the plate championship in the Singer Sri Lanka sevens tournament.

Chathuranga who is a tactical genius in open play is a very shrewd thinker of the game and brings a lot of energy in to the team. Though small in stature the number 9 is one of the best in the business for the Lankans. A little dynamo as you can call him Chathu is a player to look out for and is certainly one of the play makers in the side.

Chanaka Chandimal

Position – FLY HALF

Club     -AIR FORCE SC

Age        -24 year old

Chandimal also known as ‘Meeya’ is a brilliant play maker and is one of the players to keep an eye on this season. Chandimal who played an important role in the sevens tournaments which Sri Lanka took part in last year is a skilled player in both attack and defense and plays a commanding role playing at five eight.  Chandimal is a gifted footballer with the ability to cover wing, fullback and first five-eighths.

Chandimal who was called up to represent the national team last year after their premier fly half Fazil Marija was injured had an immediate effect on the game and assisted a match winning try in the qualifying stages of the tournament. Chandimal who plays for Sri Lankan Air force was adjudged the man of the final in their recent tour to New Zealand where they took on the Royal New Zealand Navy.

Fazil Marija

Position – FLY HALF

Club     -KANDY SC

Age        -27 year old

Arguably the most talented and skilled three-quarter in the Island Fazil Marija captained the national team last year for the A5N qualifiers before returning back to the country after a leg injury. A leading figure in Kandy’s successive stint in the club arena, Marija will be hoping to provide the key spark to ignite a backline brimming with talent and X-factor.

At only 27, Marija is an extremely talented footballer who also received the most outstanding player of the year award presented by Caltex. He first turned out for Kandy Sports Club in 2005 and had the honour of being adjudged the Most Promising Young Ruggerite at the 2005 Caltex-Observer Rugby Awards ceremony. 

Marija who represented Kingswood from 2002-04 captained his team to reach the league champs title in his final year and also went on to play for the junior national team later that year. The only concern will be the lack of match practice as Marija has not been in match form during the recent past but his skills and talent will surely overcome the small hurdle and go forward.

Pradeep Liayanage

Position - CENTER

Club     -KANDY SC

Age        -28 year old

The former national and Kandy SC skipper is amongst the best centers in the country and will be one of the players to call on in this important tournament. ‘Laiya’ who began his rugby at St. Anthony’s, joined Kandy SC after his days at school and soon became a hit in the Kandy team.

He became a regular try scorer for the Kandy team while scoring a memorable double against the touring Singaporean side in beating them handsomely 34 points to17 at Longdon place.  He has shown a lot of promise and character in his years in the club arena and will be a big plus point in the upcoming tournament. Pradeep is an aggressive tackler and an outstanding provider of quality ball to his outsides.

Gayan Weeraratne

Position - CENTER

Club     -KANDY SC

Age        -23 year old

The eldest of the Weeraratne’s, Gayan will occupy the centers position. ‘Weere’ is a brilliant ball player produced by Kingswood College. He played his rugby with a lot of distinction, vice captaining in his final year in 2007. He also represented the junior national team for three years together with his final year captain Tilina Manoj who occupied the other center position.

Gayan who is a power player, thrives on his sheer pace in hitting the short gaps and offloading when needed. He is a great reader of the game and will be looked to send the ball out fast to get his fast backs running. ‘Weere’ is nothing short of class and brings in a lot of mobility in to the center’s line up with his quick thinking and nimble foot movement.

Lasintha de Costa

Position - CENTER

Club     -CR&FC SC

Age -26 year old

Costa possesses the size, athleticism and skill to excel in the 12 or 13 jersey and has already performed with distinction in both the positions during his career with the CR. Costa debuted for the CR&FC in 2006 and has been playing for the Longdon place club since then. Costa who represented the Isipathana side in 2004 came in to the limelight only after he started his club stint at CR.

Costa made his Sri Lanka sevens debut in 2007 in the Hong Kong sevens tournament. The 2007 Caltex most promising rugby player of the year was the top try scorer in the 2007 for CR&FC with 6 tries to his name.

Chua Susantha

Position – CENTER/WING

Club     -NAVY SC

Age        -23 year old

Represents the Navy SC side in the back division, with his exciting running and trademark sidesteps dazzling opposition defenses. The 23-year-old former Kingswood College fullback continued his fine form from school playing for Police SC and then moved to Navy SC in 2009 scoring heavily and he was rewarded with selection in the Sri Lankan team where he earned a spot to tour India for the commonwealth games in 2010 in April.

Nuwan Hettiarachchi

Position – WING/FULL BACK

Club     -NAVY SC

Age        -23 year old

Is a player whose attacking qualities are without question. Add to this his defensive game and high work-rate, and kicking abilities and you have a special player.

‘Hetti’ has set the standard for finishing and creating exhilarating tries. He had a disappointing season by his own high standards in earlier parts of the 2010 season. He showed remarkable determination to hit back in the latter parts of the 2010 season, upping his work-rate to become one of the top point scorers in the interclub season and re-establishing himself as an integral feature of the Navy backline.

Hettiarachchi who was the Dharmaraja skipper in 2007 moved to the Havelocks sports club where he started his club career and then went on to join the Navy sports club where he blossomed as player.

Charith Seneviratne

Position – WING THREE

Club     -AIR FORCE SC

Age        -26 year old

Representing the Sri Lankan Air Force Seneviratne will play in the back three and will most likely take on the wingers role. Seneviratne who is an indefinable runner with the ball has a good amount of pace to run around some of the bigger opposition. He has turned out for SLAF on a number of occasions and has been a regular member of the Sri Lankan sevens squad last year.

He also represented the SLAF in their tour of New Zealand where they beat the Royal New Zealand Navy to clinch the final in a defense services tournament.

Saliya Kumara

Position - FULL BACK

Club     -KANDY SC

Age        -27 year old

An elusive fullback who has played for the Kandy SC side and Sri Lanka side for many years, is amongst the best three-quarters in the country. Saliya first played rugby for Trinity College Kandy and played with a lot of distinction winning the best ruggerite of the year award for his efforts in the schools tournaments. Saliya who began his club rugby at Havelocks sports club from 2003-05 moved over to CH&FC during the next two year before finally settling down in Kandy from 2007.

Kumara also represented the junior national team in 2003 and has outstanding skill and knowledge of the game. He is a very useful back and can be used in any position, but occupies the last line of defense as his pet position.

Saliya was one of the most exciting attacking players in last year's interclub rugby tournament and will be looking to replicate that form for the Lankans in 2011.

• < Prev
• Next >