Naveen tipped to lead Sri Lanka

Asian Under-20 Rugby Sevens 2018

Former S. Thomas’ College, Sri Lanka Under-20 and senior national Sevens player as well as CH&FC’s new recruit, Naveen Heenakankamge, is tipped to lead Sri Lanka at the Asian Rugby Sevens 2018 (Under-20) at the Kings Park Rugby Grounds on 10 and 11August.

Naveen led the Sri Lanka Under-20 outfit to a runner-up finish last year to Hong Kong. Sri Lanka finished as champions in the two-leg tournament a year ago in 2016 under Kevin Dixon.

Currently, the selected 36 players are under the watchful eyes of the Head CoachNilfer Ibrahim. The squad will have its trial game on 25July at the Royal Sports Complex to select the touring 12 plus three standbys for the tour. Dinesh Kumara is the trainer of the outfit with Duminda de Silva serving as the High Performance Manager on tour. Former Kingswood College, Kandy SC and Sri Lanka Sevens skipper Fazil Marija will assist Nilfer with his coaching duties.

A few players who were initially selected kept away from training due to the Advanced Level examinations. St. Anthony’s College playmaker Ishara Liyange was drafted into the pool after missing out from the initially announced 36 players. (SJ)