Carlton Super 7s is a boundless and unique experience for the local players as they will be given the opportunity of playing with the world-class international rugby superstars. Representing the down south of Sri Lanka, the Southern Sharks will be determined for an improved and successful 2014 campaign.
History
The Southern Sharks were consistent during both legs of the 2011 version as they emerged as the runners-up of the series only to be bettered by Central Kings. They ended up the champions in the local leg held in Nuwara Eliya last year but failed to perform in the international leg as they were the wooden spoon team of last year’s international leg finishing right at the bottom of the points table with only 20 points. The two New Zealand players Nalu Tuigamala and Edwin Cocker were the star players in their 2011 campaign. Current New Zealand All Blacks center Malakai Fekitoa represented Sharks in the 2012 edition.
Captain (Srinath Sooriybandara)
One of the most talented and exciting 7s players in Sri Lanka, Srinath Sooriybandara will captain the Southern Sharks and the skillful scrum-half will be the star attraction of the Sharks. The ability of sneaking through any defense made ‘Soori’ one of the most talked 7s players in the 2013/14 Asian Sevens Series. The Southern Sharks officials retained their star captain, Srinath for the 2014 edition. Despite his diminutive stature, ‘Soori’ adds versatility to the Sharks as he brings tremendous flair to this 15-minute game. First choice 7s player in the Tuskers squad, Srinath will be the biggest strength for the light-blue Sharks in their attempt to go one step more than 2011 version.
Coaching Staff and Franchise Owners
The Sharks are owned by East West Information Systems also known as (E-WIS), one of the foremost IT suppliers in Sri Lanka. Veteran Australian 7s coach, Christopher Roche will be the head coach once again for the Sharks. The 55-year old Australian Test rugby player has represented Wallabies in 17 matches and he is renowned for his superb coaching panache in Brisbane. Former Royalist, Asanga Rodrigo will act as the Assistant Coach while Mahesh Kumara will be Manager of the team. Samoan Etu Tusitala will give his services as the Physio/Trainer for the Southern Sharks.
Foreign Players
The Sharks will have the current Fiji 7s captain, Osea Kolinisau in their team and his presence will be advantageous in many ways for the Sharks. He captained the first Fiji side to win the Dubai 7s leg during the 2013/14 Sevens World Series since the Sevens Series began. 6 Fijian national 7s players will add the power and speed to the Sharks lineup. Semi Kunitani and Sami Saqiwa will be a dangerous duo in the midfield as they are possessed with easy try-scoring abilities.
Local Players
The Sharks local contingent is strong as they have the national 7s stars which includes Shenal Dias and Dinusha Chathuranga in their ranks. Shenal’s height and power-packed play as a forward will add a different element to the Sharks plans. Upcoming rising star from St.Peter’s/CR & FC Anuradha Herath is also another key player as he had two successful Club 7s and Mercantile 7s add to his brilliant performances in the local leg of the Carlton Super 7s tournament. Speedy winger, Vishwamithra Jayasinghe is a value added player in the Sri Lanka 7s circuit. Sharks will be worried about the fact that Dinusha Chathuranga was injured during the past couple of months as he is another great exponent of the 7s game.
Local Leg Performances
Southern Sharks performed averagely during the local legs as they finished as the 6th ranked team overall. Srinath Sooriyabandara and Anuradha Herath were the most impressive players for the light-blued Sharks. Anuradha Herath was the top try-scorer with 7 tries during the Beliatta leg whie ‘Soori’ was electrifying as always.
Full Squad
Srinath Sooriyabandara (Captain)
Chanaka Chandimal
Shenal Dias
Dinusha Chathuranga
Charith Senevirathne
Suhiru Anthony
Anuradha Herath
Oshan Perera
Danush Dayan
Vishwamithra Jayasinghe
Pio Tuwai
Samuela Saqiwa
Osea Kolinisau
Vatemo Ravouvou
Sainivalati Ramuwai
Semi Kuntani
Carlton International 7’s 2014 – Christopher Ross – Southern Sharks
Carlton International 7’s 2014 – Srinath Sooriyabandara – Southern Sharks
