Strength, discipline and tremendous grit are characteristics the Sri Lanka Army rugby teams in the years passed have been known for. Every team in the Dialog Club Rugby League acknowledges the threat the Soldiers pose and considers them as one of the toughest teams to play against in the season.

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In the previous season, Army SC were impressive in the first round and turned out as the only team that kept the eventual winners Kandy SC quiet, going down in a 6-9 thriller. However errors at crucial junctures affected them in the second round of the league and in turn they ended up as the 6th placed team in the 2015/16 season.

Manoj Silva to command the Soldiers

This year Manoj Silva has been handed the responsibility of commanding the team into the rugby battle grounds. Silva who is a No.08, was impressive in the last season at the back of the scrum for Army.  A reliable and strong ball carrier, Silva will be leading the military men from the front.

Asoka Jayalal, the experienced Prop forward and last year’s skipper will play a crucial role in Army’s game. Apart from being a towering presence at the front of the scrum, Jayalal is known for his hard hitting runs that penetrate the opposition defense.

Kingswoodian Mohammed Rizvi has been entrusted with the half back duties and will look to make an impact for Army. Rizvi has a good territorial kicking game with an effective box kick. He will need to manage the well drilled army forwards and create opportunity for the backline.

The two Ariyapala brothers, Imanka & Iranga have shown some immense potential turning out in the Army jersey. The pair are versatile players who can be used as utility players in the back line, are dangerous in counter attack and will look to add some flare to the Army back line.

Verbula in his second season

Fijian Fereti Verbula will be the man in charge of the Soldiers for the second season running. Verbula commenced a rebuilding program with Army last year and admits that it is still a work in progress with the Soldiers.  He plans to play a high tempo game where Army will be strong around the set pieces and will give enough freedom for their back line, who will look to use the full width of the field.

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Nishan Meepage, the former Army & National player, will be assisting Verbula as the forwards coach to ensure that the Soldiers present a well drilled challenge upfront.

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