Sri Lanka confident despite time limit ahead of Asian Sevens

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka’s head coach, Shamli Nawas, acknowledged that preparations for the Asia Rugby Sevens first leg in China were limited, but expressed confidence in his young side’s readiness. 

Speaking ahead of the tournament to the Daily Mirror, Nawas said the players’ involvement with their Mercantile teams played a crucial role in maintaining fitness and game awareness.

He credited the Mercantile firm coaching staff for their coordination with the national programme, which allowed the players to balance their training schedules effectively. “Fitness and game time were managed well by all the good mercantile team coaches,” Nawas said highlighting the vital contribution of club structures to the national cause.

Looking back at the buildup, Nawas suggested that holding the Mercantile Sevens a week or two earlier would have provided more time for refinement at national level. However, he stressed that the squad had adapted well under the circumstances.

The Sri Lankan team heading to China is predominantly youthful with only one experienced campaigner, Kavindu Perera, to guide them on and off the field. Nawas believes this balance offers both energy and leadership.

“My main aim is to get us into the top eight in China,” he said, already casting his sights on building momentum for the next leg on home soil in Sri Lanka.

Pool A: Hong Kong China, UAE, Uzbekistan 
Pool B: Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Sri Lanka
Pool C: China, South Korea, Philippines, Taipei