A press conference was held at the Galadari Hotel today ahead of the International segment of the Carlton Super 7s international rugby tournament 2014 of which the first leg is to kick off coming Friday the 8th of August in Koggala.
This tournament which is jointly presented by the Tharunyata Hetak organization and Ceylon Premier Sports has now become the biggest and most looked forward to rugby tournament in the country. After much success in the past three consecutive versions of the tournament where Rugby fans experienced the participation of the leading world class rugby players participating in this international tournament, the organizers promise to make this year’s 4th edition bigger and better with new additions to the previous outlooks.
The concept which is followed today was first adapted in 2011 and was the first time a concept of this nature has been used for Rugby. The Carlton Super 7s which is aimed at enhancing the standards of local Rugby will entertain local club players, international players and under 21 players representing 10 regional teams. This will provide much exposure for local players as they can use this as a gauge to judge their standards and improve their game play and strategies. This also paves the way for young talent as they play alongside the big boys, providing them exposure to learn the tricks of the trade as they move up the ladder as they enhance the standards of the country’s Rugby and eventually representing the country.
Mr. Farique Carder Senior General Manager of mobile money Dialog Axiata said “we share the same passion and objective as the Carlton organization to empower the youth of the country so, joining hands was an obvious choice for” commenting on the venture as the Platinum sponsor of the tournament. He also went on to thank the organizers for inviting them to come on board as sponsors to “help Sri Lanka rugby gets into the global arena”.
Representative for Sri Lankan Airlines the official carrier for the Carlton super 7s rugby tournament Mr. Deepal Perera said they are pleased to be a part of this international tournament and thanked the organizers for inviting them while adding on to say that they aim to “get more tourists to the island helping the industry through sports”.
Others present at the head table were Chairman of Ceylon Premier Sports Mr. Nimal Perera and Board member of Ceylon Premier Sports Mr. Chanuka Rathwatte along with Mr. Jit Gunarathne, the president of the F&B sector for John Keels Holding representing sponsors Elephant House, & KIK cola.
The tournament is considered a great launching pad for the local players as they get to play side by side with the best in the world when it comes to the 7s rugby circuit. Players such as New Zealand All Blacks Frank Halai, Charles Piatau have all been a part of the Carlton 7s tournament during the previous years. The 2014 version will include world cup winning 7s skipper DJ Forbes and his team mates Tim Mikkleson, Tomasi Cama and other top ranked players from various top 7s rugby playing countries.
The 10 teams along with the captains to take part in the tournament are as follows;
Jaffna Challengers – Saliya Kumara
Western Warriors – Yoshitha Rajapaksa
North Western Blacks – Niranjan Wikramarathna
Eastern Eagles – Thusitha Samarathilake
Sabaragamuwa Stallions – Dilip Selvam
Uva Vipers – Shehan Pathirana
North Central Typhoons – Dinusha Ariyapala
Southern Sharks – Srinath Suriyabandara
Central Kings – Rohitha Rajapaksa
Northern Gladiators Fazil Marija
The 2 week tournament which has gained IRB recognition is to be played on the 8th and 9th of August at the BOI Rugby Stadium, Koggala and on the 15th and 16th of August at the Colombo Race Course International Rugby stadium commencing at 9.00 a.m. in Koggala and 11.00 a.m. in Colombo. The most looked forward to 7s tournament will only have the best of the best on offer as the players take the field for pride and glory.
