Sri Lions went on to achieve a feat no other Sri Lankan outfit has managed to do as they went on to defeat Spain’s Speranza 22 in the final of the Men’s International Open, going onto win the segment in style at the Dubai Seven’s tournament on the past weekend.
The Sri Lions faced tough competition in the Dubai Sevens, going up against teams from England, Scotland, Canada, the UK, and Spain. Despite an early loss to Speranza 22 (26-12) in the pool stages, they rallied to secure vital wins over Godfathers Rugby (24-22) and Esprit Sud Sevens (21-5), earning their place in the knockout rounds.
In the quarterfinals, the Lions dominated England’s OG 7s with a 31-14 victory. Their semifinal clash against Tropics from Canada was fiercely contested, but they emerged victorious, 28-19. The Cup final saw a rematch with Speranza 22, where the Lions delivered a commanding 36-17 win, clinching the championship title.
The team, led by former St. Anthony’s College Katugastota and Sri Lions Rugby player Dinuk Amerasinghe, exemplified a blend of Sri Lankan talent and international expertise. Vice-captains Simione Fisi’ifeta’u Moala, a dual representative for Tonga and the USA, and Australian utility player Charles Phillip Taylor, were instrumental in their success.
The squad featured an impressive mix of international players, including Fijians Ratu Manueli, Moape Raiba, Tira Welagi Patterson, and Vaviano Sasituka, as well as South Africans Van Schalkwyk Jean and Johamen Van der Merwe. They were joined by Sri Lankan standouts like Theekshana Eshan, Raveen Fernando, Dulaj Navodya, and Mohamed Nizran, who showcased homegrown skill and determination.
From competing in the Gulf Men’s category in 2019 to winning the International Open this year, the Sri Lions have shown remarkable growth. The team’s evolution has been supported by exceptional leadership, coaching, and management, including physiotherapist Thusitha Nuwan and head coach Epali Devatawlu.
After securing the Plate Championship last year, this year’s triumph establishes the Sri Lions as a top-tier rugby team. President Kelum Sujith Perera emphasized the significance of this achievement:
“Winning the Cup at the Dubai Sevens is a victory not just for the Sri Lions but for Sri Lanka as a whole. It highlights our ability to compete and succeed at the highest levels of rugby. This is a beacon of hope for Sri Lankan rugby and a call to aim even higher.”
As they prepare for their A-division debut in Sri Lanka, this historic win marks another milestone in the Sri Lions’ journey. Their commitment to fostering Sri Lankan talent, even with a star-studded lineup, has been pivotal to their success.
By seamlessly blending international expertise with local skill, the Sri Lions have created a legacy that inspires both the Sri Lankan and global rugby communities. Their victory at the Dubai Sevens is a proud moment and a signal of even greater achievements to come, proving Sri Lanka’s rising prominence in the rugby world.
