Sri Lanka in must-win game today

Friday, 4 July 2025 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The UAE Rugby outfit arrives in Sri Lanka

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka has named a well-rounded 25 member squad for their much looked forward encounter against the United Arab Emirates which will be worked off today (4 July) at the Racecourse ground in Colombo.

Kick-off is scheduled at 4 p.m.

Leading the line-up is Malitha Wijesundara, joined by dynamic players like Shamika Kaushan and Vimukti Gamage, who have consistently delivered solid performances in recent fixtures. Naveen Marasinghe and Thilina Bandara are the towering second rowers of the outfit. Selectors opened their eyes at last giving a call to Nizran Nillar the former Zahira and Peterite player comes in to the squad and probably will start the game. He missed out for the South Korean and Hong Kong encounters. The strong number 8 and present CR skipper, Lasindu Karunathilake is hard as a rock for the hosts. His experience at number 8 gives an edge for the forwards as many seniors not available for selections.

Led by skipper, Tarinda Ratwatte who will play as one of the centres along with Akash Madushanka. Thenuka Nanayakkara will occupy the vital fly half position. Mohamed Rifan the former Science and Army SC player will start the game as Heshan Jensen is unavailable for this encounter.

The squad boasts a healthy mix of attacking options Dinal Ekanayake and Pasindu Bandara operating as wingers of the side pushing Mursheed Doray as the full back of the outfit.

Chatura Soysa, Shaahid Zumri and Amjad Faumy are the players who are likely to be finishes of the outfit.

As Sri Lanka aims to build momentum ahead of key international fixtures, this match will serve as a crucial test of form and resilience. The squad’s balance of youth and experience sets the stage for an entertaining clash, and fans will hope to see a winning performance that boosts confidence for the challenges in this must-win.

The UAE national team brings a balanced mix of seasoned expats and emerging local talent as they gear up to face Sri Lanka in a crucial Top 4 encounter arrived in the country yesterday.

A win for Sri Lanka will give them their berth safe for AR Top 4 for 2026. In case a defeat will put them 8n the relegation encounter probably with Malaysia. Meanwhile if UAE wins they will get in to number 2 and their Rugby World Cup 2027

UAE

Gerard Pieterse, Sam Bullock, Toby Oakeley, Ethan Matthews, Niko Volavol, Mohammad Al, James Crossley , Andrew Semple, Jack Stapley, Max Johnson, Brad Janes, Liam Caldwell, Matt Mills, Jaen Botes, Chris McKee, Moeneeb Galan, Riaan Barnard, Pieter Killian, Lukas Waddington, Markus Guerin, Michael Sejean, Sakiusa Naisa, Emosi Vecenaua , Epeli Davetawalu

Sri Lanka

Malitha Wijesundera,Shamika Kaushan, Vimukthi Gamage, Naveen Marasainghe, Thilina Bandara, Nizran Nilar, Tharindu Chathuranga, Lasindu Karunathilake, Mohamed Rifan, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Dinal Ekanayake, Tarinda Ratwatte (Capt), Aksha Madushanka, Pasindu Bandara, Adam Gauder, Dushantha Priyadharshana, Pulasthi Dissanayake, Amjad Faumy, Nirosh Perera,Chatura Soysa, Mursheed Doray, Shaahid Zumri and Venura Kodagoda.

Head Coach: Rodney Gibbs

Forwards Coach: Dushanth Lewke

Three Quarter Coach: Lasintha de Costa

Referee: Craig Chan

Assistant Referees: Sunny Lee and Francesco Cammisa

TMO: Matt Rodden