Sri Lanka ready for Asia Rugby Sevens opener in China

Thursday, 18 September 2025 02:13 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

The Asia Rugby Sevens Series will kick off its first leg in China on 20 and 21 September, bringing together some of the Asian continent’s finest rugby-playing nations. This year’s tournament promises to be fiercely contested, with teams aiming to stake their claim early in the series with 12 teams locking horns in three groups of four teams as:

Pool A: Hong Kong China, Malaysia, UAE, Uzbekistan

Pool B: Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Sri Lanka

Pool C: China, South Korea, Philippines, Taipei

Sri Lanka, making a return to the shorter version of the game, departed the island with renewed determination. The squad is led by Kandy Sports Club’s dynamic backline player, Kavindu Perera, whose speed and leadership will be vital in the campaign.

The side is guided by Head Coach Shamly Nawas, who has emphasised discipline, fitness, and tactical awareness during preparations. His role in shaping a balanced team gives Sri Lanka a strong platform as they step back into top-level sevens rugby.

Placed in Pool B, Sri Lanka will face tough opponents in Japan, Thailand, and Singapore. Japan, one of Asia’s strongest outfits in sevens will be the biggest challenge, while Singapore and Thailand also bring fast-paced, competitive styles.

The Lankans will have to find rhythm early if they are to push for a quarter-final or semi-final berth. With limited recovery time in the sevens format, consistency across matches will be crucial. Several exciting youngsters will complement experienced players in the squad. Their energy, paired with seasoned heads, will provide the perfect mix.

Sri Lanka’s sevens tradition has always been admired in the region for flair and attacking rugby. The upcoming tournament offers the perfect stage to revive that identity. Though some big names missing the national outfit is all out to put up a good show in the first leg before returning home for the second and last leg in Colombo during mid-October 2025.