Jaffna Challengers ready to take on the challenge
 Hot on the heels of the 2011/12 HSBC Sevens World Series, Sri Lanka
begins its league version of the popular game of rugby the 'Carlton
Super Sevens' taking after the concept of the IPL. The well known names
of the Sevens World Series is all packed in on this exciting tournament
which has gained popularity in a very short span of time since its
inception.
|
Jaffna Challengers skipper Yoshitha Rajapaksa. Pic Kavindra
PERERA |
The 'Jaffna Challengers' owned by Environmental Resources Investment
PLC (ERI) is looking forward to the tournament which kicks off today.
The team is captained by Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the captain of the Sri
Lanka team at the recently concluded Asians Five Nations Championship
and comprise of international star players of the likes of current
Fijian Sevens Captain Setefano Cakaunivalu, Ratu Osea Kolinisau, Ratu
Taniela Maravunawasa and Nasoni Roko, an all time Top Try-scorer with
over hundred tries under his wing. Jaffna Challengers also has a strong
line up of local star players such as the dashing Trinity fly-half Rehan
Weerakoon, Dulip Methruwan, Thilina Weerasinghe, Shamrock Arbeer,
Niranjan Wickramaratna, Eranda Weerkkody and Merk Silva. The team is
coached by Michael Friday, a former England Rugby Union Sevens coach who
will bring a wealth of expertise to the team.
"We are looking forward to the tournament and are excited to field an
excellent team who we believe will make their presence felt at this
tournament. Sports is a universal language and the leadership and
teamwork it provides is certain to pave the way to build a great
society. The Carlton Sevens is a great initiative for ERI to be part of
that vision where the young and the rural rugby athletes get an
opportunity to learn from the veterans of the game and build their
leadership capabilities" said CEO of ERI Eric Wikramanayake.
"We are happy to partner with Taj Samudra - Colombo and Kanna
Lubricants, Classic Travels, Palliyaguru Technology and our own Lionhart
Investment Ltd. and ERI group companies Dankotuwa Porcelain PLC and
Ceylon Leather Products PLC" Wikramanayake added. |
