Sri Lanka Rugby back to 3rd in Asia

Sri Lanka Rugby made a major leap forward in contrast to their 2017 performance in the Asia Seven Series to earn back the title of being 3rd in Asia.

Read More: Sri Lanka end first-leg in their familiar place

It was a disappointing stint last season for Sri Lanka when they were knocked out by China in the quarterfinals and eventually finished 5th. This time around, the Tuskers that took flight finished in convincing fashion to claim the 3rd in Asia tagline.

Also read: Sri Lanka Rugby teams stranded in Hong Kong

With injuries to both Sudarshana Muthuthanthri and Danushka Ranjan, the national selectors picked a young side for Hong Kong and Srinath Sooriyabandara was handed over the reins of captaincy.

The youngsters took advantage in the opportunity that they were awarded with all of the wins that the Tuskers secured were convincing.

Results – 1st leg

Group Stage –
Sri Lanka v China – 31-0
Sri Lanka v Chinese Taipei – 33-12
Sri Lanka v Japan – 21-0

Cup Semifinals
Sri Lanka v Hong Kong – 31-0

Knockout – 3rd Place
Sri Lanka v Philippines – 40 -12

Misery against the heavyweights continue

Despite finishing 3rd, Sri Lanka failed to score as single point against the top two finishers of the 1st leg; Japan and China. The Japanese played it safe to win their group stage game 21-0 while Hong Kong thrashed Sri Lanka 31 points to nil.

The standings after the 1st leg are as follows:

Sri Lanka Women still 5th

The Lady Tuskers who participated in 1st leg of the Asia Sevens Series will retain their 5th position from last year as they finished as Plate champions in Hong Kong. Sri Lanka lost out to Kazakhstan and China in the group stage, relegating them to play the Plate.

Read more: Sri Lanka Women finish 5th in Hong Kong!

The ladies won the 5th/6th playoff defeating Thailand 22-10 to claim the 5th spot in the 1st leg.

The ranking for the ladies following the 1st leg is as follows:

The second leg will kick off on the 29th of September 2018 in South Korea.