Rugby is the fastest growing sport in Sri Lanka. Carlton Super 7s tournament’s main initiative is to take rugby to all parts of the island, create awareness and educate the sport to the masses as Rugby 7s will be a part of the 2016 Olympic Games.
Representing the North-Central province, Typhoons will be keen on repeating their excellent performance in the local tournament held in July.
History
North Central Typhoons has had a fairly forgettable performance at the Carlton 7s so far. They have performed averagely throughout all editions and last time around they finished as the 6th placed team in the overall international tournament. Fijian 7s battalion of Jasa Veremalua, Watisoni Votu, Benito Masilevu Vatuinaruku, Sakiusa Gavidi, Ratu Alipate Ratini represented North Central Typhoons last year while players from USA came down to don the Typhoons jersey in previous editions as well.
Captain
Unfamiliar name in Iranga Dinusha Ariyapala has been named as the North Central Typhoons team as their captain for the local tournaments; Anuradha Wilwara was bagged by Central Kings for the international tournament. The 21-year-old Ariyapala is a former Kingswood rugby player and he will be playing in his favorite center position. Ariyapala represented the Kandy SC ‘B’ team during the 2013/14 Inter-Club division 2 tournament and the Typhoons officials have certainly pulled a rabbit out of the hat naming Ariyapala as the captain.
Coaching Staff and Franchise Owners
The Typhoons franchise is owned by Avant-Garde, a leading security service and solutions provider for commercial, industrial and residential establishments in Sri Lanka. Former Springbok Sevens stalwart Marius Schoeman has been assigned as the Head Coach of the North Central Typhoons. Lankan rugby legend Nizam Jamaldeen will serve his duties as a coach for the Typhoons to mold a winning combination while Chandralal Samarakoon is the assistant coach of the squad. Buddhika Saminda will act as the Physio and Tharindu Rupasinghe will render his services as the team manager.
Foreign Players
The Typhoons have brought down 5 brilliant South African 7s internationals to power up their team. The 23-year-old Ruhan Nel is a player from the Johannesburg-based side Golden Lions while Steven Hunt is a prominent figure in the Blitzboks 7s squad. Valke winger Sandile Ngcobo has some gas in his boots as he can be very dangerous in open play with his speed. Mark Richards is a reliable 7s player and he will look to put up another stellar performance for the Typhoons.
Local Players
Experienced forward from CR & FC and former Sri Lanka captain Dushanth Lewke adds stability and experience to the Typhoons squad. Samantha Lakshan and Mohammed Jabbar is another pair of strong backs wearing the Typhoons jersey and these lanky center three quarters will be running in attacking angles with quick feet and speed being their strengths. Young guns and former junior Tuskers Hirantha Perera and Hashan Maduranga (Kiriya) have shined during their school times and they have continued to perform remarkably well for their respective clubs. Most notable inclusion for the Typhoons is the 19-year-old Peterite fly-half Jerome Canute in the squad as it will be a great learning curve for the youngster.
Local Leg Performance
North Central Typhoons won the 1st leg in Kurunegala securing 25 points while they became 2nd place in Beliatta and was adjudged joint champions with Northern Gladitors as both teams finished on 47 equal points after two successful legs. Anuradha Wilwara and Waqalagi Emori were instrumental in excellent performances and the Typhoons will dearly miss both their services for the international tournament.
Full Squad
Iranga Dinusha Ariyapala (Captain)
Dushanth Lewke
Samantha Lakshan
Hashan Maduranga
Suranga Arunashantha
Mohammed Jabbar
Hirantha Perera
Shanaka Kumara
Jerome Canute
Asith Wijesinghe
Steven Hunt
Ruhan Nel
Sandile Ngcobo
Josh Moon
Mark Richards
