Western Warriors another one of the 10 teams in The Carlton Super 7s, a tournament that has done wonders in the past to enhance the standards of local rugby.
Representing the most populated province of Sri Lanka, the Western Warriors will no doubt be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming international leg as they seek their maiden Carlton Super 7s title.
History
The Western Warriors were not able to perform up to expectations in the past versions of Carlton Super 7s as they were undone on many occasions despite having the likes of Lote Raikabula and Rupeni Levase in their ranks. During last year’s edition, the Western Warriors finished as the joint 3rd place in the overall championship while they were unable to lift the coveted trophy since the inception of this magnificent rugby tournament.
Captain (Yoshitha Rajapakshe)
Sri Lanka 15s and 7s player Yoshitha Rajapakshe from Navy Sports Club will lead the strong Western Warriors outfit. The dynamic forward is a key member of the Sri Lanka 15s team and he has led his country many times playing as a flanker and as a forward. He has also been named vice-captain of Tuskers 7s squad in the past. During the 7s format, Yoshitha is an automatic choice for the Sri Lanka team as his prowess in scrums and lineouts have helped any 7s team he has played in the past. Due to unfortunate injuries, Yoshitha was sidelined in the recent past but he will bring all experiences to lead out a successful campaign for the Western Warriors. Yoshitha led Jaffna Challengers to glory in the 2012 edition.
Coaching Staff and Franchise Owners
Entrust Securities PLC (ESPLC) owns the Western Warriors team and they have appointed the Fijian sevens superstar, Setefano Cakau as the coach of the Western Warriors. Cakau turned out for Jaffna Challengers in the 2012 version and he will be working as a player/coach for Western Warriors. Setefano recently coached the Sri Lanka sevens team for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games where Sri Lanka won the shield championship. Former Sri Lankan player, Sumedha Malawana is the assistant coach and senior statesman and true servant of Sri Lanka rugby, SW Chang will function as manager.
Foreign Players
Western Warriors foreign players list is full of Fijian nationals including the two Fijians residing in Sri Lanka and it will make the Western Warriors the most dangerous outfit as they will be able to field 5 Fijians at one time due to the playing conditions. Setefano Cakau, Lote Raikabula (Fijian born New Zealander) and Jone Avokia Vota will be the main attractions from the Western Warriors foreign players squad as they are simply brilliant 7s players. Apisai Naqaliva and Jone Avokia Vota represented Police SC and Navy SC during the 2013/14 Inter-Club tournament as well.
Local Players
Apart from the two local Fijian players, the Western Warriors consists of the blistering forward pair of Bilal Hassen and Dhanushka Perera from Navy SC while they have two good center three-quarters in Kanchana Ramanayake, Lee Keegal while scrum-half Suranga Pushpakumara will add dynamism to the Western Warriors team with his indomitable style of 7s play.
Local Leg Performances
Western Warriors finished as the 9th placed team in the local tournament where they lacked speed and agility which will be brought to the international tournament by their foreign stars. Bilal Hassen and Yoshitha Rajapakshe were the standout players for Warriors during the 2 local legs held in Kurunegala and Beliatta.
Full Squad
Yoshitha Rajapakshe (Captain)
Bilal Hassen
Dhanushka Perera
Lee Keegla
Suranga Pushpakumara
Kanchana Ramanayake
Randitha Warnapura
Nuwan Perera
Joseph Dunn
Waqalagi Emori
Jone Avokia Vota
Joeli Lutumailagi Kata
Lote Raikabula
Apisai Naqaliva
Waisea Nacaqu
Setefano Cakau (Player/Coach)
Carlton International 7’s 2014 – Yoshitha Rajapakshe – Western Warriors Captain
Carlton International 7’s 2014 – Suranga Pushpakumara – Western Warriors
Carlton International 7’s 2014 – Joseph Dunn – Western Warriors
