Second-string SL to lock horns with South Korea in rugby

Thursday, 11 June 2026 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka Rugby will head into their final Asia Rugby Top 3 Men’s Championship 2026 fixture against South Korea on 13 June with a largely revamped squad, but the Sri Lankans remain confident of producing a strong performance despite the absence of several frontline players.

A combination of injuries and commitments to the national sevens program has forced the selectors to make a number of changes, resulting in what is effectively a second-string outfit. However, the squad still possesses a blend of experience and youth capable of troubling the Koreans.

Sri Lanka’s biggest source of confidence comes from their outstanding display against eventual champions Hong Kong China in Colombo. Sri Lanka pushed the seven-time consecutive Asian champions all the way before suffering a heartbreaking 15-14 defeat. Hong Kong China later demonstrated their class by crushing South Korea 45-9, underlining just how competitive Sri Lanka were against the tournament’s strongest side.

Captain Lasindu Karunatilleke will lead the side, with experienced campaigners Pulasthi Dassanayake, Tharindu Chaturanga, Thilina Bandara and Mursheed Zubair expected to provide leadership and stability. The selectors have also placed faith in a number of promising young players, including Pasidu Thakshila, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Gemunu Chethiya, Arosha Ratnayake and Yuwan Pathirana, who will be eager to seize their opportunity on the international stage.

The only significant concern for Sri Lanka could be adapting to the weather and playing conditions in South Korea. If they settle quickly, the Tuskers have every reason to believe they can overcome the hosts and finish their campaign on a high note.

Sri Lanka Squad vs South Korea

Vimukthi Gamage, Pulasthi Dassanayaka, Hansitha Silva, Thilina Bandara, Naveen Marasinghe, Tharindu Chathuranga (Vice Captain), Denuwan Wickramaarachchi, Lasindu Karunathilake (Captain), Himal Harsha, Isuru Umayanga, Pasindu Thakshila, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Gamunu Chethiya, Arosh Rathnayake, Mursheed Zubair, Shamika Kaushan, Sabith Musheen, Nisal Silva, Shenal Adikaram, Udesh Madushanka, Viduna Amaneth, Dimuth Perera and Janith Chandimal.

Head Coach Dushanth Lewke