Sri Lions to compete at Dubai Sevens 2024

Sri Lions, the newcomers to ‘A’ Division rugby in Sri Lanka, are set to compete in the prestigious Dubai Sevens International Open Men’s 2024 Tournament from November 29 to December 1. Last year Sri Lions won the Plate Championship at the same tournament.
Sri Lions have combined the best of Sri Lankan schoolboy rugby talent with seasoned international stars to form a formidable team for this year’s tournament.  Among their key players is Raveen Fernando, a flanker who was a member of the victorious St. Peter’s College League Championship-winning team.  Joining him is Thikshan Eshan, known for his versatility on the field and Dinuk Amerasinghe, a former standout three quarter from St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota, who also represented CR and FC with distinction. Dulaj Navodya, a former Captain of St. Peter’s College, adds further strength to the squad while Mohamed Nizran rounds out the group of exceptional Sri Lankan talents.

There are some Fiji, Samoa and Tongan players. Simione F. Moala, a three-time national champion and former Tonga Sevens Captain, brings his experience of over 200 games at the highest levels of the sport. 

The Fijian contingent includes Rauto Vakadranu, Tira Welagi Patterson, Manueli Maisamoa and Jope Tikoilepanoni, all of whom have represented the Fiji National Squad and bring the electrifying pace and flair that Fijian rugby is famous for. From South Africa, Jean van Schalkwyk, who featured in the 2023 National Sevens Squad, will bolster the team’s strategic depth. 

Additionally, Charles Philip Taylor, a former Australian Rugby 7s player (2016–2018) and current Premiership Rugby stalwart with the Dubai Tigers, adds versatility and experience to the line-up. (SJ)