By Harsha Amarasinghe

Sri Lanka Sevens skipper Sudharshana Muthuthanthri has joined CH & FC from Havelock Sports Club in a huge boost for the Maitland Crescent Club.

Having not played a single minute of the ongoing Dialog Inter-Club League Rugby Tournament, the third rower was registered as a CH and FC player for the rest of season yesterday, at Sri Lanka Rugby.

“Of course he (Muthuthanthri) has not played for any club this season which makes him perfectly eligible to represent a club of his choice at this point of the season. So today (Monday) he was registered as a CH and FC player,” Sri Lanka Rugby Vice President Lasitha Gunarathne told Daily Mirror.

It is also understood that Muthuthanthri, nicknamed ‘Muthu’, is in line to make his first appearance of the season this Friday when they battle CR and FC in an attempt to push for a third-place finish.

The former Havelock captain could possibly start the game as number eight or may join Yoshitha Rajapaksa in flank. Nonetheless, his presence will certainly boost the Maitland Crescent Club which has occupied the fourth spot of the points table.

The former S. Thomas flanker led Sri Lanka 7s team last year during the Asia Seven Series before moving to New Zealand for a special training programme.

During his stint in New Zealand, ‘Muthu’ became the first Sri Lankan to play New Zealand top division rugby when he represented the Auckland rugby team who finished fourth in the National Tournament a few weeks ago.

Daily Mirror can also reveal that the 26-year-old took part in his first practice session with CH & FC players yesterday evening at the Race Course.

The signing of Muthuthanthri is a clear indication that the Maitland Crescent Club are going all out to land the Knock-Out title. CH & FC in fact are the only team that caused problems to Kandy SC during their league meetings and the addition of Muthuthanthri could only make CH a stronger side.

Pic by Kushan Pathiraja