Carlton Super 7s to lift Lankan rugby
Anuradha ABEYSEKERA
The stage is set to conduct the third version of the Carlton Super
7s’ Rugby Tournament from May 26 to June 3 in Kandy and Colombo. Carlton
Sports Club (CSC) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Rugby Football
Union (SLRFU) will conduct the tournament which is considered to be the
top most sevens tournament in the country.
The first round will be worked off at Bogambara Grounds in Kandy on
May 26 and 27 while the final stage will be conducted at the Police
grounds, Bambalapitiya on June 2 and 3.
This tournament has helped to popularize rugby in far regions
including North and East in its short history and 10 local teams
comprising nine Provincial teams and a combined team will be in action
this year as well.
SLRFU President Asanga Seneviratne revealed that the entire New
Zealand team, the famous All Blacks will be signed up for the tournament
where the teams will include them in a biding process. A team will
include a minimum of two under-21 local players and maximum of four
foreign players. Over 30 ‘A’ grade international players participated in
last year's tournament and was a great opportunity for the young local
ruggerites to test their skills with the experienced foreign players.
With the aim to standardize Sri Lankan rugby on par with the
international level, the organizers have already made arrangements to
host the event in a big way.
The tournament will be a good trial for local players as they are
preparing for the Borneo and Shanghai sevens tournaments which are to be
played in the latter part of the year.
Carlton Super 7s’ will be a rare, unique experience for the
spectators as they will be given the opportunity of watching world class
rugby players in action in Sri Lanka.
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