In a surprising turn of events, the national selectors have gone with a courageous move to include four new players to the 12 member squad ahead of the final leg of the Asia Sevens Series that is set to be held in Colombo this weekend (14&15 Race Course).
National Sevens players to get contracts
Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) is on the verge of finalizing the procedure to award national contracts for the sevens squad…
The team that was finalized last evening (10th) saw the experienced Richard Dharmapala and Kavindu Perera joining the team while the national selectors have picked Reeza Raffaideen and given Rehan Silva the national debut.
The four of them will replace Chanaka Chandimal, Hirantha Perera, Kevin Dixon and the injured Naveen Henakankanamage.
Both Kevin Dixon & Naveen Henakankanamage were a part of the first two legs that were held in Hong Kong and South Korea respectively and will have to miss out on the 3rd that will kick off in Colombo.
Read about Naveen’s exclusion: Asia Sevens: Henakankanamage will not play in Sri Lanka
Senior campaigner Kavindu Perera who was ruled out of the second leg to injury has been included in the team while speedster Richard Dharmapala is set to play his first tournament.
Read More: Kavindu Perera ruled out of Asia Sevens 2nd leg
Kavindu Perera was impressive on day one for the Tuskers in Hong Kong and scored two tries as well. Meanwhile, the Kandy Sports Club winger will be joining the team for the first time after injury.
Asia Sevens Colombo: Sri Lanka to play cup champions
The Asia Sevens Series grand finale will kick off in Colombo next weekend (14th & 15th) and hosts Sri Lanka…
Sudarshana Muthuthanthri will continue to keep reign for the Colombo leg while the inclusion of former under 20 sevens players Reeza Raffaideen and Rehan Silva gives a clear indication that the Tuskers are targeting cup glory when they play in their home territory.
The former Kingswood Captain, Reeza Raffaideen is set to make his first official debut in the Sri Lankan national jersey having earlier toured for the Sri Lanka Lions in the Borneo Sevens.
Read more: Sri Lanka Sevens teams to take wing to Borneo
Twenty-two year old Rehan Silva who is a part of the sevens development squad also earned his national colours ahead of the third leg.
The former Isipathana represent, Rehan Silva and Raffaideen were a part of the Under 20 Asia Sevens winning side that won the series in 2017. The duo has been training alongside the national team thus catching the eye of the selectors adding in fresh reinforcements to the side.
Mini Profile: Reeza Raffaideen
Age : 22
School : Kingswood College
Major Clubs : Police SC, CR & FC
Sri Lanka represent : U20 Sevens / U19 ASIAD / BorneoSevens
Mini Profile: Rehan Silva
Age : 22
School : Isipathana College
Major Clubs : CR & FC
Sri Lanka represent : U20 Sevens / U19 ASIAD
The 12-member squad
1. Sudarshana Muthuthanthri
2. Jason Dissanayake
3. Danushka Ranjan
4. Srinath Sooriyabandara
5. Sudam Sooriyarachchi
6. Omalka Gunarathane
7. Kavindu Perera
8. Richard Dharmapala
9. Tarinda Ratwatte
10. Danush Dayan
11. Reeza Raffaideen
12. Rehan Silva
The team is coached by Peter Woods.
