Tough Hong Kong challenge for Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka rugby squad for Hong Kong tour

By Shamseer Jaleel  

Sri Lanka’s national rugby team departed for Hong Kong ahead of their second Asia Rugby Top 4 fixture scheduled for June 22. Sri Lanka will face Hong Kong in a challenging encounter that could determine their standing in the tournament.  

The squad, captained by experienced campaigner Tarinda Ratwatte, includes a mix of youth and experience. Among those in the side are backline stars such as Danushka Ranjan, Mursheed Doray, Dinal Ekanayake, and Heshan Jansen who will be key to Sri Lanka’s attacking efforts.  

In their opener, Sri Lanka lost narrowly to South Korea 38/34 in Colombo despite leading at halftime. Their backline showed flair and pace, but the inexperienced forwards struggled to maintain control in the final stages.  

Hong Kong, on the other hand, had a comfortable outing against UAE and look well-prepared. With Rugby World Cup 2027 qualification on the line, they remain favourites to   secure the top spot from Asia.  

Sri Lanka have made several changes to the squad, rotating players to strengthen their combinations. However, their biggest challenge remains the injury-hit forward pack. Key players such as Abdullah Faiz, Janidu Fernando, Patham Milan, and Charith Silva are out with injuries.  

Despite these setbacks, the inclusion of Thilina Bandara and Lasindu Karunathilaka offers some muscle in the pack. Their performance at the breakdown and in set pieces will be vital. Both Lasindu and Thilina been outstanding for the Sri Lankan outfit.  

The backs will once again be expected to deliver. Playmakers like Thenuka Nanayakkara and Shaahid Zumri could offer spark from the bench if needed.   

Sri Lanka squad:

Vimukthi Gamage, Senura Perera, Thanuja Jayaweera, Pulasthi Dasanayake, Venura Kodagoda, Thilina Bandara, Naveen Marasinghe, Tharindu Chathuranga, Lahiru Thillakaratne, Lasindu Karunathilake, Dahan Wickramarachchi, Heshan Jansen, Mohamed Rifan, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Tarinda Ratwatte (captain), Akash Madushanka, Danushka Ranjan, Adam Gauder, Mursheed Doray, Pasindu Bandara, Dinal Ekanayake, Shenal Adikaram,   

Shamika Kaushan, Shaahid Zumri and Malitha Wijesundera  

Head Coach - Rodney Gibbs, Forwards Coach - Dushanth Lewke, Backs Coach - Lasintha De Costa, Team Manager - Rohan Chinthaka, Trainer - Mohamed Majeed