The blistering Australian player with Sri Lankan roots, Aden Ekanayake, has been nominated for the “Rookie of the Year” award, presented to the best emerging rugby player of the ongoing HSBC 2024–25 SVNS World Series.
Sydney-born Aden boasts Sri Lankan heritage, with his father having been born in Sri Lanka before migrating to Australia. In his early years, Aden was selected for the Australian Schools and the Under-18 national team in 2023. The rising star also featured as a flanker in the World Rugby U20 Championship held in South Africa in 2024.
The dynamic player, known for both power and pace, received his maiden national team call-up as a travelling reserve for the 2023–24 season. Still a teenager, Aden made his debut for the Australia national Rugby Sevens team at the HSBC Dubai Sevens in 2024 and has since become a regular member of the Australian Rugby 7s outfit.
Aden Ekanayake stole the spotlight among rugby enthusiasts by scoring a brilliant match-winning try during injury time against the mighty Springboks 7s side in the semifinals of the Perth 7s.
Not only Australians but also Sri Lankans are eagerly hoping to see Aden Ekanayake crowned “Rookie of the Year.”
HSBC SVNS Nominees 2025
HSBC SVNS Men’s Player of the Year
- Luciano Gonzalez – Argentina
- Marcos Moneta – Argentina
- Pol Pla – Spain
HSBC SVNS Men’s Rookie of the Year
- Aden Ekanayake – Australia
- Enahemo Artaud – France
- George Bose – Fiji
