Seven new faces have been added for the upcoming Asian Rugby Championship (ARC) division 1 next week at Philippines. Our apologies as we missed to mention Buwanaka Udangamuwa earlier.
Captain Fazil Marija expressed his views to ThePapare.com on the debutants saying “This is a great opportunity for them, everyone played well in the concluded Dialog rugby league and they deserve a place. This will give them a very good experience.”
Three from Havelocks SC and one each from Navy, Army, Kandy and CR&FC. In the meantime another six players left out from the 30 man squad namely Rahul De Silva, Anuradha Herath (CR&FC), Rehan Thyagarajah, Hirantha Perera, Ganindu Lakshan (Havelock SC) and Asoka Jayalal (Army SC). However, these players remain stand by and if there is any injury woes, ready to fly.
Dulaj Perera (Havelock SC) Position – Fly half
Leading points scorer in the concluded league, the Havelocks outside half already worn the Tuskers shirt in the 7s format is now ready to transform his club form in to Tuskers XV. However, Skipper Marija still be the first choice to start and Dulaj will be eyeing to get sometime on the pitch over his role model.
Ganuka Dissanayaka (Havelock SC) Position – Prop
Won the Triple Crown with Isipathana College last year and made his presence in the Junior Tuskers in the Asian Championship. On his club debut season he was an outstanding performer in the Havelocks front row. He might not be able to start but including him in the touring squad will give the 20 year old a learning experience with the seniors.
Jason Melder (Havelock SC) Position – Lock forward
Scored some valuable tries in the concluded season. He solid with the ball in hand and gaining extra yard with his massive hard to bring down frame. Melder’s performance earned him a place to debut the Tuskers with the experience Sean Wijesinghe alongside him. Certainly he can learn a lot from this tour whilst putting all his form at ARC.
Kanchana Ramanayaka (CR&FC) Position – Center
Ramanayaka was a fine figure for the Longdon Place team this season, he has not only made contribution with his attacking rugby but added points from his boots too. He was also called for the national 7s team few months ago and now got a deserving place in the Johan Taylors squad.
Dulanjana Wijesinghe (Navy SC) Position – Hooker
Had a phenomenal season with the Sailors but not very good with the lineout throws at times, it was not the only issue but all the hookers had this problem in the domestic league. However, Dulanjana was very mobile and an attacking player. He also assisted few tries in the league games and made some great yards with the ball in hand.
Randika Alwis (Army SC) Position – Lock
Alwis played a lonely hand at times for the Soldiers. He is a silent warrior and he is like that someone who proves “action speaks louder than words”. Alwis was outstanding with his ball carrying and also with his defensive and attacking work rate in the concluded league. His performance was too good for the selectors to earn him the right place in the Tuskers team.
Buwaneka Udangamuwa Kandy SC Position – Third row
Played as a flanker but started most with #08, He played a gladiator knock to the champions Kandy SC. He made some great yards with the ball in hand when it comes to defense he was so good in tackles and quick turnovers. No one knows him better than the coach Johan Taylor. Udangamuwa deservedly gets the call for the Tuskers.
