SLR contracts 21 players under High Performance 7s Programme
This initiative is designed to elevate preparation standards and ensure Sri Lanka competes at the highest level on the continental stage. The contracted group has been selected from a broader 28-player national 7s training pool. The remaining players continue to train within the system and remain firmly in contention to earn High Performance contracts, based on ongoing performance, fitness standards, and commitment to the programme.
Sri Lanka 7s expert Srinath Sooriyabandara will lead the Tuskers at the CASA 7s in Uzbekistan next weekend, which will be a prelude to the Asian Games campaign
The squad of 21 players contracted by SLR through its High Performance Programme are Srinath Sooriyabandara, Kavindu Perera, Janidu Dilshan, Ravindu Anjula, Gemunu Chethiya, Chathura Soysa, Gayan Perera, Akash Madusanka, Dinal Ekanayake, Chamod Muthunayaka, Aron Deeyon Corera, Danush Dange, Jayathu Rajaratne, Denuwan Wickramaarachchi, Devinda Rathnayake, Suranga Tennakoon, Maliksha Perera, Isuru Kongahawatta, Aros Rathnayaka, Naveen Marasinghe and Janith Marasinghe.
Sri Lanka Rugby emphasised that player welfare remains a critical priority. The dual demands of competing in both 7s and 15s formats have placed players under significant physical strain, increasing the risk of overtraining and injury. This challenge is further intensified by the competitive landscape in Asia. Leading nations such as Hong Kong, Japan, China, South Korea and United Arab Emirates operate fully specialised 7s programmes and have been training exclusively in the Sevens format since the conclusion of the Asia Rugby Emirates 7s Series second leg held in Colombo last year.
“Sri Lanka is currently at a competitive disadvantage. Without carefully managing workloads and ensuring adequate recovery, the risk of further injuries would increase significantly, while also limiting the team’s ability to adequately prepare for elite 7s competition,” a press release issued by SLR said.
Accordingly, all contracted players will be exclusively committed to the 7s programme and will not participate in the upcoming Asia Rugby Championship. SLR will instead field a development-focused 15s squad for the forthcoming international fixtures against Hong Kong and South Korea.