The Sri Lanka Under 19 Rugby team will face hosts Chinese Taipei in their opening game of the Asia Under 19 Rugby Championship that kicks off on the 12th of December in Chinese Taipei.
The Asia Rugby Under 19 Championship is Asia’s premier fifteens competition played to crown the best in Asia. This year’s tournament is set to serve as a qualifier for next year’s World Rugby Under 20 Championship that will be held in Argentina.
Read more:History of the U19 Asia Rugby Championship
This year’s tournament will see Chinese Taipei, Korea, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka take the field.
The Junior Tuskers will play the tournament hosts Chinese Taipei on the 12th of December followed by the defending champions of the tournament Hong Kong.
The side will play Chinese Taipei in their final game on the 18th of December.
The tournament will run on a league basis with the top finisher taking home the trophy.
The Sri Lanka fixtures for the Asia Under 19 Championship is as follows:
12th Dec – Chinese Taipei v Sri Lanka – 4.30 p.m. (local time)
15th Dec – Hong Kong v Sri Lanka – 2.30 p.m. (local time)
18th Dec – Sri Lanka v Korea – 10.30 a.m. (local time)
A huge challenge awaits the Sri Lanka Under 19 side under the purview of coach Dushanth Lewke with the side playing three games in a matter of six days.
Sri Lanka’s record in the U19 format isn’t something to boast with last year being a complete disappointment. Without adequate training, the Sri Lanka side played a home and away fixture with Hong Kong for the championship.
The Junior Tuskers lost to Hong Kong at the Colombo Racecourse 8-37 and were decimated in Hong Kong too, 40-7.
Read more: Hong Kong enjoy comfortable win over Sri Lanka
Also read:Sri Lanka falls prey to fast running Hong Kong
The national selectors are intent on taking 27 players to Chinese Taipei with three additional players in case of injury. Former Josephian and current CR & FC represent Gamunu Chethiya is set to give leadership to the side.
Read more: Speedster Gemunu Chethiya to Pilot Junior Tuskers to Taipei
The team will be announced shortly.
Match Highlights – Sri Lanka v Hong Kong
