The women Tuskers flew from the island ahead of the Asia rugby seven’s series first leg in Qingdao, China. The second leg will be played in Colombo on 10th & 11th October.
Veteran player Thanuja Weerakkodi who was renamed as the captain will lead the team. Thanuja has been a tremendous servant over the years for her club Navy SC and for the country since debuting in national colours in 2008. Ayesha Perera who captained the Army SC and also captained the Tuskers last year, will be the second commanding officer in the team.
However, Sri Lanka women’s team is currently placed in 5th position in Asia. China, Japan, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan are in order of 1st to 4th place. This weekend, the lady Tuskers will face the toughest opponents as the kick off with the defending champions China is at 8.06 am SL time. At 10.40 am SL time they will play with Hong Kong and later in the day at 2.10 pm they will have the last of the pool game against Singapore.
Sri Lanka won the plate championship in 2013 but ended as plate runners up last year in China. They won the plate again in Hong Kong in a thrilling extra time try by Anusha Attanayake. Apart from Anusha, Thanuja and Ayesha, the Tuskers have some experience and skillful players like Sandika Hemakumari, Randika Kumudumali and Malkanthi Rathnayake. Twenty year old speedster Wasana Weerakkodi the sister of the captain Thanuja will be debuting in this series.
Here is a look at the 2014 results.
Sri Lanka Women’s squad
Thanuja Weerakkodi (C) – (Navy SC), Ayesha Perera (VC) (Army SC), Malkanthi Rathnayaka (Army SC), Anusha Atthanayake (Air Force), Sanjeewani Wijethilaka (Navy SC), Sandika Hemakumari (Navy SC), Randika Kumudumali (Navy SC), Dasuni Gimhani (Navy SC), Nadeeka Dineshika (Army SC), Niranjala Priyadarshani (Army SC), Ayesha Kaluarachchi (Air Force), Sanjeewani Wasana (Navy SC)
