Lewke, Danushka and Sheriff to play professional rugby in Japan

Jatila Karawita

Sri Lanka rugby skipper Dushanth Lewke and two other highly-rated rugby players from CR and FC Danushka Perera, a flanker and full back Mohammed Sheriff have been earmarked by two International Rugby Board (IRB) officials who were here recently with the Asian Dragons rugby team to play professional rugby in Japan.

"Dushanth Lewke, Danushka Perera and Sheriff have been identified by the two IRB officials to play professional rugby in Japan," Executive Director of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union, Dilroy Fernando said.

"They have been spotted due to their outstanding performances in the international and domestic rugby arena.

"Dushanth, Danushka and Sheriff will initially be given the opportunity to play for a University in Japan before being considered to play for any of the companies in Japan for which their domestic rugby is globally reputed."

Fernando said the Sri Lankan trio was earmarked by IRB Regional Development Manager for Asia, Jarrad Gallagher and IRB Trainer cum Japanese Rugby Football Union (JPRFU) Chairman of the High Performance Committee Yuichi Ueno during their short stint in the country with the Asian Dragons who played two games with the SLRFU President's XV last week.

Lewke, Perera and Sheriff are expected to further hone their rugby skills in Japan during 2009.