Sri Lanka begin 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification campaign today amid injures

Friday, 13 June 2025 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Tarinda Ratwatte

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka will launch their bid for a place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup set to be held in Australia when they host South Korea today at the Race Course ground in Colombo. Kick-off is scheduled for 4 p.m., as Sri Lanka look to make a strong statement on home turf, despite facing multiple challenges in the lead-up to this crucial opening fixture.

The build-up to the game has been anything but smooth for the home team. A host of experienced players, including Shaahid Zumri, Jayathu Rajarathna, Danushka Ranjan, and Nigel Ratwatte, have been side-lined due to illness, while Janidu Dilshan’s absence from recent training sessions has raised eyebrows. Both Kavindu Perera and Srinath Sooriyabandara are injured. The setbacks have forced the coaching staff to make tough decisions in finalizing the match-day squad.

Sri Lanka is currently guided by a New Zealand-born head coach Gibbs with support from local tacticians Dushanth Lewke and Lasintha de Costa. Despite their collective experience, the late announcement of the squad just one day before kick-off has drawn criticism from fans and pundits alike.

Adding to the controversy is the shock omission of dynamic flanker, Nizlan Nilar, who has been in superb form for the Sri Lions. Nilar was a standout during the New Zealand Under-85kg tour games and played a key role in the Malaysian Asia Rugby Division 1 campaign. His exclusion has left many questioning the selection policy.

The announced 24-man squad is led by Tarinda Ratwatte will be made out of youth 8n majority due to the injuries to several senior players.

South Korea, on the other hand, arrived in Colombo two days ago and have hit the ground running with intensive training sessions. Known for their structured play and physical dominance, they pose a serious challenge.

Sri Lanka Squad: Vimukthi Gamage, Senura Perera, Thanuja Jayaweera, Dilshan Jaya, Pulasthi Dissanayake, Venura Kodagoda, Shenal Adikaram, Nareen Marasimghe, Thilina Bandara, Lahiru Thilakaratne, Chathuranga Soysa, Tharindu Chathuranga, Lasindu Karunathilake, Dahan Wickremarachchi, Mohamed Rifan, Tarinda Ratwatte (Captain), Heshan Jensen, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Hirantha Perera, Akash Madushanka, Adam Gauder, Dinal Ekanayake, Pasindu Bandara and Mursheed Doray.

Referee: C.P. Clement