Japan’s entry to the Under 20 Asia Sevens Series after a lapse of two years should worry the Junior Tuskers scantly when they face the Asian giants in the group stage encounter towards the evening of the first day.
The first leg of the Asia Under 20 Sevens series is set to commence tomorrow (29th) in Johor, Malaysia and Sri Lanka are grouped alongside UAE, Thailand, Philippines & Japan. A finish in the top two positions will allow Sri Lanka to progress forward to the semi-finals and increase their hopes in the sevens series.
Continuing his stint as under 20 sevens captain, former Peterite Kevin Dixon will have the services of the same individuals from the 2015 tour including national XV’s U20 skipper Omalka Gunarathane, Nishon Perera, Lasindu Ishan and Reeza Raffaideen. The team that left for Malaysia last night (28th) will play the Philippines in their series opener followed by Thailand and Japan later in the afternoon. Their final group stage game will be on the second day (31st) which will be against the UAE.
The final 12-man squad that travelled to Johor is as follows;
1. Kevin Dixon – St. Peter’s College (Captain)
2. Omalka Gunarathne – Isipathana College (Vice-Captain)
3. Nishon Perera – St. Peter’s College
4. Reeza Raffaideen – Kingswood College
5. Vimukthi Rahula – St. Joseph’s College
6. Shamri Burah – St. Peter’s College
7. Lasindu Ishan – Science College
8. Tariq Salih – St. Joseph’s College
9. Rehan Silva – Isipathana College
10. Buddhima Priyarathana – D. S. Senanayake College
11. Chamika Kusal – Wesley College
12. Asitha Punchihewa – Isipathana College
ThePapare.com will be bringing you the live action as it happens from the Johor Rugby Stadium in Malaysia with our rugby expert Saabir Cader & photographer Hiran Weerakkody already in Malaysia.
