Prolific Thomian wing-three-quarter Naveen Henakankanamage will lead the Sri Lanka Under 18 Sevens contingent for the Asia Schools Rugby Sevens Championship that is set to take place in Hong Kong on the 23rd and 24th of July 2016.
A total of 60 players representing over 15 different school’s rugby teams were present at the sevens selection trials today and at the conclusion of the day, a final 21 member squad was finalized by the selection panel that was headed by Michael Jayasekara alongside Hisham Abdeen, L. V. Ekanayake and Kapila Norlton.
The selected squad is set to train with the coaching staff headed by former national and CR & FC player Mohamed Mushtaq. A finalized 12 member touring squad is expected to be announced on Monday 18th July while the team is expected to leave for Hong Kong on the 21st of July.
Speaking to ThePapare expressing his views about the selection process for the final squad, Michael Jayasekara stated the following,
”It was a very difficult choice to make as we had to cut short a 60 member training lot to a 20 member squad within two hours.”
Providing insight on the decision of the captaincy, Jayasekara said
“It was a unanimous decision among the selectors and the choice was Naveen Henakankanamage. He led the Thomian side which won the schools sevens tournament so there was no debate at all. “
Meanwhile, Sumudu Rankothge of Isipathana College will be the team’s vice-captain for the tour. The selected 21 member squad will be announced tomorrow after ministry approval.
The 2nd Asian Under 18 Sevens Championship that is set to take place in the Hong Kong will feature ten teams and Sri Lanka is grouped in the Pool B with the likes of Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia & Mongolia
