Sooriyabandara tipped to lead Lankan Sevens unit

By Shamseer Jaleel

Former Isipathana and Kandy player Srinarth Sooriyabandara is tipped to be appointed as the Sri Lanka Sevens skipper for the Asian Sevens 2016 Series, which will kick off in Hong Kong on 2 September.

Sri Lanka, who finished fourth last year, will encounter stiff opposition from Asian giants Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea. 

Already some leading Sevens players such as Fazil Marija, Nigel Ratwatte, Sudharshan Muthuthanthri, Shehan Pathirane and Gayan Weeraratne are nursing injuries. The Sri Lankan national pool will be under Head Coach Matt Turner (UK) and Trainer Nic Grouble (NZ). The injuries to the senior players will open the selection door for many of the recently successful Under-20 national players. The final touring 12 will be named later this week.

Meanwhile, former Australian Under-20 player Rowan Perry, who was born in Sri Lanka, has expressed his willingness to play for Sri Lanka. Perry, who was born to Australian parents in Belihuloya, Sri Lanka, has already represented Australia and will need to be cleared by World Rugby. According to reliable sources, the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) will write to World Rugby seeking clearance after checking Perry’s documents.