Madagascar played their first international game in 1970 against the Azzuri (Italy) and since then this African nation has grown in stature in terms of the sport.
Currently, ranked 42nd in the world Madagascar which is a country that has a population similar to Sri Lanka has over 25,000 registered players and 500 clubs in their rugby structure.
The past few years, Madagascar has surged up the African ranks as their victory in the Africa Cup Division 1B in 2012 saw them being promoted to the Top Division. Madagascar last played in a competitive fixture in July 2013 where they successfully fought Uganda at home to keep their place in the Africa Cup Division 1A also keeping their World Cup Qualification hopes alive for next year.
Similar to the surge in rugby in Sri Lanka, Madagascar too have engaged in major development projects and a vital cog in their path is the construction of ‘Stade Makis’ which could fill in a capacity of over 10,000 spectators paving the way for Rugby’s popularity in the country.
Madagascar will look to the experienced flyhalf Jose Rakoto Harison who has been a fixed asset of the National side since 2002 which has helped him become the highest points scorer in the Madagascar national team. His contribution will be vital in the upcoming Dialog Serendib International Cup.
Team Madagascar
Rantoniaina Hasina Rakotoarivelo
Christian Jean Felix Andrianjaka
Maroson Vonjiniaina Andriamananjara
Dimbiniaina Jean Willy Rabemananjara
Rodolphe Randriamanantena
Hajanirina Randrianambinina
Ratsimba Tolotra Ramaromiantso
Tahina Hery Zo Randrianarisoa
Maminandrasana Solomampionona
Tolotra Claudio Ravelonomenjanahary
Guy Rolland Randriamiarana
Nirina Jacky Bayard
Romuald Rafaralahy
José Rakoto Harison
Juliot Mahavy
Deraniaina Rakotozafy
Alain Rakotonirina
Serge Rajoelina
Benjaniaina Mandimby Rakotoarivelo
Soloniaina Herizo Rasoanaivo
Bernard Razafindranaivo
Tiana Nirina Ravelomanantsoa
Tolotra Mampionontsoa Rakotoson
Michael Raharijaona
Joseph Berthin Rafalimanana
Laurent Simon Ranaivoarivelo
Canitrot Philippe
Victor-lie Andriavelomanana
Marcel Joseph Rakotomalala
