Boys responded brilliantly: Viper Gunaratne

Viper Gunaratne with skipper Thulaib Hassen and assistant coaching staff Rohitha and Rajiv 

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka Under-19 rugby outfit ended the Asia Rugby under 19 Division 1 as champions and earned a promotion for Top 4 in 2020 where they will stand in for an opportunity for Youth Rugby World Cup in 2021.

Sri Lanka Under-19 Head Coach Viper Gunaratne (Jnr.) speaking to Daily FT said: “We played China first up. They were huge lads compared to our boys, we had only one or two of their size. Our boys were very skilful and played as team with unity was top class. Thualib Hassen was a great leader he had all the very good qualities and we are happy that we made the correct choice. The two deputies too chipped in well.” 

Viper continued saying: “All the lads played really well. Janidu Ratnayake was a great finisher and I can compare him with former national winger Sanjeewa Jayasinghe. He had great words on Wesley College boy, as a great potential for the national team. He was omnipresent and Doray too was magnificent. We replaced Doray with Reshan and responded very well. He chipped kicked and worked the line beautifully and avoided the vacuum created when Doray left the field later in the game.

“We need to prepare well for the 2020 Top 4 event which will consist teams from Taipei, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and South Korea. We need to prepare at least three months before the event, monitor players and use them at the correct positions.” 

Viper ended as saying China is planning a 5-nations tournament at Under-23 level for teams Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Sri Lanka and China next year. “This will be an ideal opportunity to identify our players which will help our national 15s and 7s rugby as well. These lads on tour will be a great asset for this segment,” he ended.