Sri Lanka’s national men’s and women’s rugby teams, the Tuskers, returned home on Tuesday morning after clinching a historic double championship at the inaugural Central Asia–South Asia (CASA) Sevens Rugby Tournament in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Newswire reported.
The teams were received at Bandaranaike International Airport’s Silk Route/VIP lounge by Sri Lanka Rugby President Pavithra Fernando, officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, senior officers of the Army and Air Force, parents, friends and rugby enthusiasts. Garlands and trophies marked the welcome.
The men’s team, captained by Srinath Sooriyabandara with vice-captain Janidu Dilshan, beat India 31-10 in the final on Sunday to secure the first-ever CASA Sevens men’s crown. The women’s team, led by captain Charani Liyanage and vice-captain Sanjeewani Wijetilake, shut out Kazakhstan 27-0 to lift the women’s title.
Both squads remained undefeated through the May 16–17 tournament, which drew teams from across the Central and South Asia region. The result strengthens Sri Lanka Rugby’s regional standing ahead of the Northampton Saints fixture in August and the higher-tier Asia Rugby Sevens Series later in the calendar.
