The National Rugby Selection Committee, headed by former national player and coach Sudath Sampath, has selected a top-tier 35-player national squad for the much-anticipated repechage match of the Asian Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship against Malaysia, scheduled for 19th April 2025 at the Racecourse Grounds.
A major concern for the Tuskers is that several talented players who stood out during inter-club tournaments were unavailable for selection due to injuries and other reasons. With only a few days left for preparation, this poses an additional challenge for the team.
- Sri Lanka name 60 player squad for Rugby World Cup Qualifier game against Malaysia
- Sanath Martis assumes the duties of Head Coach of Sri Lanka Rugby
The selected squad will train under the watchful eyes of field specialist and National Head Coach Sanath Martis. Experienced Dushantha Lewke will serve as the Assistant Coach for the forwards, while veteran coach Saliya Kumara will handle the backs as the other Assistant Coach. The final 25-member national rugby squad will be announced after a few practice sessions.
The Sri Lankan rugby fraternity firmly believes that the Tuskers will overcome their second hurdle successfully on their journey to the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.
Preliminary Sri Lankan National Squad
Kandy SC (9 Players) – Malitha Wijesundara, Dhanuska Ranjan, Dinal Ekanayake, Tharindu Chathuranga, Shahid Zumri, Thilina Bandara, Heshan Janson, Daham Wickramarchchi, Nigel Rathwatta
Havelock SC (4 Players) – Janindu Fernando, Sudesh Jayawickrama, Jayathu Rajarathne, Mohamed Rifan,
CH&FC (6 Players) – Pulasthi Dasanayake, Nirosh Perera, Janidu Dilshan, Pasidu Bandara, Vimukthi Gamage, Dinesh De Silva
CR&FC (7 Players) – Senura Perera, Wenura Kodagoda, Naveen Marasinghe, Lasindu Karunathilaka, Murshid Doray, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Thanuja Jayaweera
Police SC (5 Players) – Thabeeth Hafiz, Lahiru Thilakarathne, Primesh Danushka, Akash Madushanka, Hirantha Perera
Air Force SC (1 Player) – Shamika Kaushan
Navy SC (1 Player) – Denuwan Hansaka
Army SC (1 Player) – Nalaka Maduranga
Sri Lions SC (1 Player) – Mohamed Nizran Niller
