Central Kings aiming for a 2011 equivalent

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The Carlton Super 7s International Leg 2014 will kick off on 8th August, promising a superstar line up of players, both local and foreign, battling it out for two weekends of scintillating rugby once again to decide the best Carlton franchise.

Rugby crazy Central Province has one of the biggest spectator bases in Sri Lanka and they will be represented by Central Kings as they are chasing their 2nd title. 

History

Kandy’s golden boy Fazil Marija led Central Kings to the title in 2011 beating Western Warriors in the final by 38-05 points. Central Kings ended up becoming the runners up of the 1st Leg which was held in Bogambara. During the 2013 edition, Central Kings finished as the 8th placed team with 23 points. The Central Kings has had the honour of having one of the best English 7s players in Dan Norton in their team, as well as English center Matt Turner in the past.

 

Captain (Rohitha Rajapakshe)

The Kings from Central province will be led by reigning club champion’s skipper from Navy SC, Rohitha Rajapakshe who led Navy SC to history. The youngest son of his Excellency the President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapakshe, Rohitha is a born leader on and off the field with his power of accountability and can be assured of leading his Central Kings troops successfully during the 2014 campaign. Playing as a forward in the 7s format, Rohitha is well equipped with mobility and versatility in his armour. 

 

 

Coaching Staff and Franchisee Owners

The Central Kings are sponsored and owned by the Access Group of Companies which is one of the fastest growing corporate entities in Sri Lanka. Fitness Guru of Sri Lanka rugby and Navy SC trainer, Mothilal Jayathilake has been appointed as the Central Kings head coach. Felix Wijesinghe will be the team manager while Ravindra Wekedapola is also a manager of the Kings outfit. Amit Jayasekara will give his services as the team physio and Duminda Silva is the official trainer of the squad. 

Foreign Players

Central Kings officials have linked up 4 Fijian players with an Englishmen and a South African to strengthen their foreign contingent. The 26-year old winger Matt Turner was born in Cape Town and he turned out for his country England many a times securing so many wins for his country, England. Shaun Adendorf from South Africa is one of the crops of masterful Bulls players for South Africa. Physically well-built Shaun will be very hard to stop just meters away from the try-line. Fijian 7s forward, Sitiveni Waqa is a brilliant player with a good sense of rugby as he loves retaining the ball and running down the flank whenever possible during this 14-minute game.

Local Players

Central Kings have acquired the services of 5 current Sri Lanka 7s players in Anuruddha Wilwara, Lavanga Perera, Richard Dharmapala, Chula Susantha and Nigel Ratwatte. Former Thomian, ‘Willi’ playing for Kandy SC is an enormous talent for SL rugby as his presence in the midfield gives a boost to any team he represents. He led the North Central Typhoons to the Local Leg crown last month. 20-year-old Richard Dharmapala from Science College has been a revelation due to his knack of scoring tries and his brilliant side-steps will make him another key player for Central Kings, if they are to repeat their performance in 2011. The Dangerous trio of Lavanga Perera, Chula Susantha and Nigel Ratwatte have been in their prime form during the Mercantile 7s, Club 7s and Local Tournament. 

Local Leg Performance

Central Kings had a good workout during the local tournament as they finished in the 5th place during the Kurunegala leg and bettered their performance to the 4th position during the Beliatta Leg. Skipper Rohitha Rajapakshe, Nigel Ratwatte and Richard Dharmapala were instrumental in all Central Kings victories. 

Full Squad

Rohitha Rajapakshe (Captain)

Anuruddha Wilwara

Richard Dharmapala

Sasanka Ariyaratne

Nigel Ratwatte

Dhanushka Malitha

Rahul de Silva

Thisila Karunathilake

Chula Susantha

Lavanga Perera

Matt Turner (England)

Shaun Adendarff  (South Africa)

Sitiveni Waqa (Fiji)

Sitiveni Kunaga (Fiji)

Leo Naikasali (Fiji)