The leading Rugby Referee, Raveen Alexander, will depart for Japan on today (21st July) to officiate in the 12th Japan High School Sevens Tournament, which will be scheduled to be played from the 23rd to the 25th of July 2025 at Sania Park Sugadaira Rugby Stadium, Japan.
He is a proud product of Vidyartha College, Kandy, and he went on to captain the Tigers outfit in 2016. After ending his schooling career, he took the challenge of blowing the whistle, and within a very short period, he reached the pinnacle of his local refereeing by officiating elite-level matches at both the school and club levels.
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His skills, commitment and passion for the game finally paid off as he was selected to the Asia Rugby Talent Identification (TID) match officiating panel, which focuses on scouting and nurturing emerging referees within the Asian region.
This young prospect possesses international level experience by refereeing at Saints 7s Rugby Tournament – Singapore, Borneo Rugby 7s – Malaysia, COBRA 10s Rugby Tournament – Malaysia, Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy, 2024 in Nepal and in Nepal Domestic Rugby tournaments.
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Raveen is one of the island’s most reliable match officials, frequently trusted with officiating crucial games (including those in previous Inter-Club Rugby League and Knockout Tournaments as well as in the ongoing Schools Rugby League Tournament). He is also widely regarded as a Referee who can absorb all the pressure in tight games and deliver accurate decisions despite the situation of the match.
Further, Sri Lanka’s Rugby Referee Dilum Dheeshana, who resides in Japan due to his profession, also will feature in this highest-level Japanese school tournament. Dilum, who is also a past player from Vidyartha College, is a talented Rugby Referee who has successfully refereed A Division schools and club matches before his migration.
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Japan Rugby Union has closely monitored the accreditation of the Referees to officiate this elite accuracy of the match officiating and the game management capacity. Hence, this appointment will also be considered a testament to the quality of local referees, as the current committee is committed to uplifting their standards continuously.
ThePapare team wish you all the very best, young Sri Lankan Referee, to excel in Japan and to keep the Lion flag flying high!
 to officiate in the 12th Japan High School Sevens Tournament, which will be scheduled to be played from the 23rd to the 25th of July 2025 at Sania Park Sugadaira Rugby Stadium, Japan.){kind=link}