Key Players
Gayan Iddamalgoda –The team will rely on him not only in gaining territorial advantage with his kicks but also to secure points with his goal kicking. Needless to say, the man wearing the No. 10 jersey for the Airmen will no doubt, as chief playmaker, have a huge role in deciding their fortunes this season.
Dinesh Weerarathna – At the pivotal No. 8 position former Trinitian Weerarathna will look to make his presence felt on the field by making lots of tackles and getting to the breakdowns as fast as possible and securing possession.
Aruna Shantha – Full back Aruna Shantha is one of the most experienced players in the Air Force squad, having represented the team for the last 10 years, and he will no doubt have to use every ounce of that experience as he mans the last line of defense for the Airmen this season.
Pradeep Kurukulasooriya – Taking on the captaincy this season, former lock Kurukulasooriya will work alongside Weerarathna in trying to secure possession in rucks and mauls as well as make as many tackles on the opposition as possible. With 12 years’ worth of experience in the league, he will definitely be a force to reckon with as well someone to whom the team will look to in times of distress.
Young Blood
Tuan Jaleel – Hailing from rugby mad Kingswood College, Jaleel will be looking to provide some competition to veteran Aruna Shantha, in a bid to don the No. 15 jersey this season.
Lochana Ekanayake – The towering lock from Dharmaraja College seems to have sports in his blood having represented his school in a number of sports. He was also a standout performer for his alma mater in the 2012 schools rugby season.
Thilina Bandara – Another new signing for the 2nd row, Bandara captained the St. Sylvester’s team just last year and will be looking to make an impact in his first club rugby season.
Coach
Another welcome addition to the Air Force fold is former Tusker Leonard De Zilwa as Coach. Having led Navy SC to the league and Clifford cup titles in the 2013/2014 season, De Zilwa has proved himself time and again as a coach in his handling of a number of different teams over the span of his career.
On paper the Airmen may not seem like a force to be reckoned with, particularly when competing against some of the bigger clubs in the Sri Lankan scene. What they lack in big names they could make up for with experience and true forces discipline. Coach De Zilwa may just be the right man to inspire greatness in them.
Squad: Dinesh Weeraratne – Amal Dassanayake – Pandula Bandara – Pushpakumara Samarahewa – Lahiru Udayanga – Ranuka Madagedara – Gayan Heenkenda – Sampath – Wickramasinghe – Ranil Medagedara – Donald Frank – Amila Bandara – Dimitha Sangeewa Patabendige – Jero Dananjaya – Aruna Shantha – Isuru Jayaratne – Prasanna Soysa – Nalin Dasantha – Gihan Perera – Kaushal Manupriya – Shaminda Udayakumara – Ishara Madushan – Parakrama Ratnayake – Kasun Rodrigo – Nadeesh Lanka Perera – Nuwan Rajapaksha – Asanka Sanjaya – Soorya Krishan – Dilan Lasantha – Rukmal Dissanayake – Saraka Weralla – Pahasara Hewage – Gayan Iddamalgoda – Kosala Perera – Prasanna Madushanka – Duminda – Malith Wickramaarachchi – Supun Madusanka – Asanka Perera – Pradeep Kurukulasooriya – Thilina Bandara – Ramdas Rumesh 21 – Lochana kanayake – Tuan Jaleel
