As the weekend approaches, the coastal city of Qingdao, China, is set to host the highly anticipated Asia Rugby Emirates U18 Sevens Tournament. Sri Lanka is gearing up to make a resounding impact on the continental stage, fielding exceptionally talented boys’ and girls’ squads that blend grassroots grit with premier school rugby pedigree.
At the helm of the Sri Lanka U18 boys’ outfit is prolific Wesley College three-quarter Muhammed Fawaz Mohommed Fawmy. A master of versatility, Fawaz typically commands the backline as a fullback but is equally adept at slotting into centre in the XV format. In the fast-paced, high-octane environment of Sevens rugby, his adaptability allows him to thrive in virtually any position, providing head coach Rajeew Perera with immense tactical flexibility.
Fawaz comes into the tournament brimming with confidence, having stolen the spotlight just six weeks ago with a spectacular hat-trick of tries against Kingswood College to help Wesley retain the prestigious L.E. Blazé Trophy in their 40th encounter.
Fawaz will be deputised by St. Peter’s College U18 skipper Hashara Madugasge. Madugasge brings a knack for clutch performances, having recently scored back-to-back late tries to single-handedly overturn a 12-0 half-time deficit and clinch the SLSRFA Elite Under-18 Rugby 7s championship 17-12 against Kingswood College.
The 12-member Junior Tuskers squad boasts a wealth of talent from some of the island’s top rugby-playing schools. They will be further bolstered by Rajit Geon, who was rightfully crowned Player of the Tournament at the recent SLSRFA Elite U18 7s, adding undeniable star power and depth to the side.
Sri Lanka Under-18 Boys’ Team
Muhammed Fawaz (Captain, Wesley College), Hashara Sasmika Madugasge (Vice-Captain, St. Peter’s College), Praveen Nimsara Lamahewage (Royal College), Rehan Senmith Attanayake (Ananda College), Rajit Geon Stuwart (St. Peter’s College), Mohommad Rashwin Sabar (St. Peter’s College), Yasanda Dinan Thenula (D.S. Senanayake College), Ammar Mansil (Trinity College), Saraph Ilyas (Zahira College), Thenula Dewnitha de Costa (Isipathana College), Chanidu Oshada Bandara Adikari (Kingswood College) and Hiresha Gayan Mayanka Dias (S. Thomas’ College).
Stand-bys: Senuja Boomika Ranasinghe (Royal College), Imaad Jhan Zameer Jhan (Kingswood College), Adheesha Nadunajith (St. Peter’s College), Pasindu Bimsara Samarakoon (Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College, Kandy), Shirash Damiya Perera (St. Peter’s College) and Hansaka Sadew Fernando (Dharmaraja College, Kandy).
The boys’ team is supported by a premier coaching and management unit. Prominent rugby coach and World Rugby educator Rajeew Perera takes the reins as head coach, assisted by current Royal College head coach Bhanuka Nanayakkara. In a unique and highly effective appointment, iconic Sri Lankan powerlifter Ransilu Jayathilake will serve as the team’s trainer, bringing elite strength and conditioning expertise to the young athletes. Senior Coordinator and Development Officer for Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR), Imran Thalagampe, will act as team manager.
The boys’ competition will feature a 10-team field, including heavyweights such as China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong China, India, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan. Notably, the tournament presents a golden opportunity for the contenders due to the absence of defending champions and Asian heavyweights Japan. With the door left wide open, the Sri Lankan lads will view this as a prime chance to stake their claim to continental glory.
Parallel to the boys’ event, the championship will feature a nine-team women’s competition designed to boost the standard of women’s rugby across the region.
Leading the Junior Lady Tuskers is Tikashi Ayusha Jeewamani, a formidable prop forward from Kuliyapitiya Central College. Tikashi is no stranger to the international stage, having already fast-tracked into the Sri Lanka U20 setup for the Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens held earlier this year in Rajgir, Bihar, India.
Tikashi’s rise is a testament to the silent, tireless work being done at grassroots level. She learned her trade under the guidance of former Maliyadeva player and veteran coach Sujeewa Fernando, who has been pivotal in uplifting rugby in the North Western Province. Remarkably, four players in the current U18 girls’ squad, including players from Kuliyapitiya Central College and D.B. Welagedara College, have been nurtured through Fernando’s system.
The side also features a strong international flavour, with Dubai College and Sri Lions prospect Naduli De Silva named vice-captain. The squad is rounded out by promising talents from Sarasavi Uyana College, Lumbini College and All Saints College.
The girls will be guided by rugby coaching maestro Shamly Nawaz as head coach, with the highly regarded Asela Deshapriya serving as his assistant.
Sri Lanka Under-18 Girls’ Team
Tikashi Ayusha Jeewamani (Captain), Naduli Luhansa De Silva (Vice-Captain), Dinetya Saheli Godahena, M.S.F. Afra, W.A.V. Savisandu, P.D. Yethmi Bimansa, G.H. Pavithra Hansani, A.V. Ranruwani, Ishanka Weerapakrama, K.M. Sathsarani, Shehara Shashimali Weerananda and M.G.G. Pawani Sathsarani.
Stand-bys: B.A. Lochana Adithya, H.G.S.D.K. Hapugoda and K.D.H.M. Gunasekara.
Sri Lanka’s representation in Qingdao extends beyond the players. Old Vidyartha player and highly experienced match referee Raveen Alexander will take to the pitch to officiate matches. Adding immense prestige to the nation’s rugby administrative ranks, Dilroy Fernando will feature at the tournament in his capacity as Referee Manager for Asia Rugby.
As the whistle blows in Qingdao this weekend, the Sri Lankan contingents will carry the hopes of a nation eager to see its junior rugby talent shine on the Asian stage. With a perfect mix of experience, youthful exuberance and elite coaching, the Junior Tuskers are poised for a formidable campaign.
Left: Shehara Madugasge lifts U18 trophy, Right – Rajit with the U18 player of the tournament award
