Ahead of the Asia U20 Sevens Series, Sri Lanka Rugby has appointed former national sevens and fifteens skipper Fazil Marija to oversee the Sri Lanka Under 20 Sevens team along with Dinesh Kumar and former national cap Duminda De Silva.
With preparations underway for the Asia Under 20 Sevens series, the national body appointed Nilfer Ibrahim as the coach for the junior side with 4 weeks to go for the competition.
Along with Ibrahim, Fazil Marija will be in the junior structure as the assistant coach as the Kandy Sports Club veteran is set to provide his expertise playing in the national jersey to the new generation.
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“I’m happy to assist Nilfer and the U20 boys, It’s a great honour and I believe I have something to give to these youngsters, Nilfer’s coaching experience will help us as a team to succeed” added Marija on his appointment.
An active contributor in the rugby arena, the former Havelock SC and CH & FC winger has been working with several teams in the local arena as a trainer. The current St. Joseph’s College trainer will have a new challenge ahead of him as he will be solely in charge of the Junior Tuskers in terms of their strength & conditioning.
Former Sri Lanka double national represent Duminda De Silva will overlook the position of High-Performance Manager for the Sri Lanka U20’s in the absence of a permanent appointment. Following Inthi Marikar’s resignation from the position in early May, the position has remained empty.
Silva was a regular contributor in the Sri Lanka national sevens team and also toured in the sevens colours at the 1998 Commonwealth Games.
The 36-member squad for the under 20 series was finalized last week and the team is expected to be selected in the coming weeks. With ample talent in store the selectors have made all the right moves in getting the best to nurture the future of sevens rugby.
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