Sri Lanka U20 Rugby 7’s team will tour for the Asia 7s series next week. However, the appointment of a captain is yet to be decided by the SLRFU and the coach.
The initial squad of 32 was shortened for 17 and will further to be trimmed to 12 next Tuesday just before the departure on Wednesday to Malaysia. Nevertheless, it is quite challenging to the selectors as well as the coaching panel to appoint a captain. Although they are looking at four possible candidates Omalka Gunarathne, Prince Chamara, Kevin Dixon & Sithum Peiris it will be finalized only on Tuesday.
Chairman of national selectors – Michael Jayasekera and the coach Collin Denish said to ThePapare.com that “it is indeed a challenge for us not only to pick the captain but also to pick the shortened squad, but we will be looking at the option who will be in the starting squad and who can play the 14 minute of the game”.
Here is a look at the player profiles
Omalka Gunarathne
Isipathana captain is probably the much spoken name in the concluded Singer schools rugby season. He was the most influential player in the last year’s triple triumph for the Greenlands. Despite Isipathana only becoming triple runners-up under his leadership this year, he is still in fine shape to play both the formats of the oval shape ball game. Some may say that he was an over- rated player, but during his club debut for Navy SC his giant hit against the veteran Roshan Weerarathne of Kandy SC, who ultimately went to the dugout sums up how strong a monster he is. Omalka also played for the national U18 and toured China for the Asian Youth Games in 2013. Last year he was a phenomenal part in the Asian 5 nations for the Junior Tuskers XV’s.
Prince Chamara
A cool cucumber from Science College who joined the Army SC last year, Prince is a pretty decent kicker at the uprights playing at full back. This year he transferred to the Longdon Place Club and has gained tremendous experience in the last 10 months. He has transformed his skills from XV’s to play 7’s and he will have a big role in creating the gaps and making the finishing touches with his pace and power. Prince was also a part of the Junior Tusker’s XV in the last year’s Asian 5 nations’ tournament held in Colombo.
Kevin ‘Kutty’ Dixon
The St. Peter’s captain marshaled his troops for the schools 7’s title early this year. Despite a shambolic season for his school in the XV’s Dixon is one great talent who can change a game at any given time. His Campese goose-steps and dazzling footwork is pretty much tailor made for the 7’s format. He was also the skipper of the national U18 team who toured for the Asian Youth Games in 2013 and was a key figure in the XV’s for the Asian 5 nations last year. He made his club debut a fortnight ago with the Havelock’s SC. Dixon will be playing as half back on this tour and his decision making and game management will be a key aspect for the Tuskers.
Sithum Peiris
The Wesley forward represented the National U20 in 2013/2014 and he also toured for the Asian Youth Games. Soon after his school career, he joined the CR&FC for the domestic club rugby league. The 6’2 tall lad will be playing a vital role in terms of winning the kick off with his jump. He had an impressive outing in the concluded Mercantile 7’s and in the U20 club 7’s. Sithum played as a utility back row player for the ‘double blues’ and will play as a prop for the shorter version.
Senal Deelaka the man who led the Isipathana for the Triple Crown last year and played a great role in his club rugby debut for the Havelock’s SC has twisted his ankle and might not be fit for the tour.
Reeza Raffaideen the Kingswood captain who perhaps has the skills and capabilities of becoming the next Fazil Marija, played really well for the Agoal and Police team in the recent 7s tournament. He does not have the prior national colours, therefore, he may not be considered as a leader.
