Carlton Super Sevens Tournament was initiated in the year of 2011 in the direction of developing the sport of Rugby in Sri Lanka. The tournament consists of 10 regional teams comprising players from local & international clubs and school players while its main goal is to excel the future of Rugby in Sri Lanka.
Jaffna Challengers is the only sole franchisee named under a city compared to the other teams named after provinces.
History
The Jaffna Challengers is a remarkable Rugby 7s team that battled with valor and strength against its opponents throughout the recent past and they are the most successful franchisee so far winning the tournament in 2012 (joint champions) and in 2013 (Champions). Fijian rugby legends – Setefano Cakau, Osea Kolinisau and Emosi Vucago are few players who have represented Jaffna Challengers in the past while the dangerous Kenyan contingent of Injera Collins, William Ambaha and Oscar Ouma succeeded for the Challengers in 2013.
Captain (Saliya Kumara)
Experienced full-back Lankan 7s star Saliya Kumara will lead the Jaffna Challengers this year. Kandy SC player has been around the Lankan rugby circuit for more than 7 years with exceptional performances for his club and country. Saliya who learnt his rugby at Vidyartha College later went on to play for Trinity College. He led Kandy SC in 2012 and is undisputedly the best Sri Lankan utility back division player, with many more years of rugby before him. Saliya’s nippy style of play will be a force to reckon with during the 2014 Carlton 7s edition.
Coaching Staff and Franchise Owners
Environmental Resources Investment PLC, a pioneer investment company in Sri Lanka is the franchise owner of the Jaffna Challengers team. 33-year old Wales winger & current Dragons coach Nick Wakley will be coaching the Jaffna Challengers outfit. Nick Wakley is a well-recognized player/coach in the English Premiership rugby league. The Challengers team will be managed by Anuradha Fonseka while Sanjeewa Perera will give his services as the team Physio.
Foreign Players
The biggest loss for the Challengers will be their unavailability of the Kenyan stars for the 2014 edition. Four Fijians and two Spanish players are included in the Jaffna Challengers squad. Former Fijian 7s representative who once played for Police SC, David Batiratu has been signed on board of Jaffna Challengers while his country teammate Isireli Kaloucava is another key player for the Challengers. Glen Rolls who hails from New Zealand is a regular member of the Spain 7s squad while the experienced Ignacio Martin will give a worthy performance.
Local Players
The Challengers have signed up many utility back division players in their lineup such as Rehan Weerakoon, Saliya Handapangoda, Dharshana Etipola and Prasad Chathuranga. Bustling forward Sajith Saranga has represented Jaffna Challengers in the past and he will have to use all his experience into count if they are to succeed this year. CR & FC winger Heshan Gunarathne and Mekalanka Pramoda will add speed and aggression from the back line. Navy scrum-half Saliya Handapangoda is another excellent player who is always underestimated by his opponents as he possess a bag of tricks when he has the possession of the ball.
Local Leg Performances
Jaffna Challengers had a horrible local tournament as they finished last in Kurunegala with only 3 points. They finished 9th in Beliatta beating Western Warriors by 34-12 in the wooden spoon play-off. Saliya Kumara had to take all his team’s burden upon his shoulders due to the lackluster performances from others.
Full Squad
Saliya Kumara (Captain)
Saliya Handapangoda
Sajith Saranga
Dharshana Etipola
Heshan Gunarathne
Prasad Chathuranga
Dulip Methruwan
Rehan Weerakoon
Mekalanka Pramoda
Asitha Rathnayake
David Batiratu,
Isirelia Kaloucava,
Alipate Mataivilia
John Tavaga
Glen Rolls
Ignacio Martin
