Former Peterite giant lock forward Shenal Dias has been a regular member in both 7’s and XV’s format in the national colours. However, he missed out few national tournaments due to his higher studies in the USA.
Shenal joined Havelock’s sports club soon after his school career and since then he was an outstanding figure in the oval shape ball game.
Sri Lanka Tuskers finished 4th overall in the concluded Asia rugby sevens series despite a fine performance on the home soil finishing 3rd in the final leg. Now the Tuskers will travel to Hong Kong ahead of Asia sevens qualifier on 7th & 8thNovember for the Rio Olympics spot. There is only one spot available and although Japan remains favourite, Hong Kong , South Korea or Sri Lanka could ruin their party.
However, prior to the tournament in Hong Kong, the Tuskers left the island this morning to Singapore in order take part in the Singapore Cricket Club (SCC) 7s invitational tournament as Sri Lanka Lions. Rehan Thyagarajah, Vishwamithra Jayasinghe, Jason Dissanayake all expected to play more game time along with Shenal Dias, last season’s Kingswood captain Reeza Raffaideen, Hirantha Perera and Dinusha Chathuranga who has recovered from his injury. Rochana Hettiarachi who deserves a place in the Tuskers shirt would be the only missing piece due to an injury.
Shenal’s addition will certainly boost coach Mat Turner’s team who now have gelled well together as a unit. Shenal Speaking to ThePapare.com “It is great to be back in the country, I have recovered my injury hoping to come back in to form in Singapore and do my best in Hong Kong.” Meanwhile Fazli Marija, Nigel Ratwatte and Lavanga Perera who had a break proceeding to London, will join the Tuskers on time in Hong Kong. However, Sri Lanka Lions have drawn in the toughest pool which is below.
Moreover, the SCC 7s is a prestigious event with many star players coming to showcase their talent. One of them who played last year was Nehe Milner Skudder, the All Blacks winger who is in the starting line-up for the world cup final this weekend. Teams from England, France, South Africa, Australia, Kenya, Sweden, Samoa and New Zealand are expected to play. The highlight would be the Springboks 7s team, which is also expected to play before the world seven’s series start.
The squad to SCC 7s
Sudarshana Muthuthantri (C), Srinath Sooriyabandara, Richard Dharmapala, Kanchana Ramanayaka, Shenal Dias, Sandun Herath, Hirantha Perera, Jason Dissanayaka, Vishwamithra Jayasinghe, Dinusha Chathuranga, Rehan Thyagarajah, Reeza Raffaideen
