Galaxy of international artistes at Carlton Sevens
Fifty two of the world’s rugby Sevens artists will be in action at the Carlton Super Sevens this year. The first leg of the International Sevens will be worked off on July 27 and 28 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.
The Carlton Sevens will see six Kenyans, 17 New Zealanders, 14 Fijians, two British, three Tongans, six Samoans, three Americans and one from Spain. Each team will have Sri Lankans who will get the chance to play with and against the best while fans will be able to see some of the best in action.
Top international Sevens stars will be back in in action this season
Five Kenyans from the team that hit a high note ending up fourth at the Moscow Sevens Rugby World Cup will play this year. They will include services of two famous names of Kenyan Rugby. Willie ‘Lomu’ Ambaka who was picked for the IRB Sevens dream team and being short listed for the IRB Men’s Sevens Player of The Year Award. The other is exciting Colins Injera, known as the flying winger and possibly the fastest player in Sevens rugby.
Spanish captain Ignacio Martin, the smiling assassin who has been playing Sevens rugby in Fiji will also play in Sri Lanka. Martin has earned a name for his stunning tackle on Tomasi Cama at the London Sevens.
Eastern Eagles coached by Phil Greening will have mixed bag of an Englishman, a Kenyan, two Samoans and a Tongan. Another player of repute will be Fijian Alipate Raitini, a speed star who has been a prolific try scorer. Scott Curry who was out of the World Cup Sevens due to injury is expected to play with Sam Dickson. Also playing will be Ben Gollins, the highest try scorer in Sevens history who played for England and was the successful Sri Lanka Sevens coach.
Fijian Samisoni Viriviri who rose to stardom in the international rugby Sevens in just six months will also be there. Samosoni was selected by a panel of former players and coaches as the Hong Kong Sevens Best and Fairest Player during the final after the match. Samisoni chased a dream borne out of the stories of his grandfather and namesake who was part of the legendary 1977 Fiji XV that beat the British Lions in Suva. The Fiji team rookie, Samasoni featured at the Hong Kong Sevens which Fiji won 26-19 after trailing 19-nil at half-time. Also Playing for Southern Sharks will be the hard working robust forward Fiji captain Nameni Nagusa.
Setefano Cakau, a former captain of Fiji with over a decade of Sevens knowledge who was recalled this year will also be in action. Cakau has excited fans around the world with some thrilling display of Sevens skills. He has the skill of swerving and twisting while executing the hard runs for Western Warriors. Once again DJ Forbes, the captain of the All Blacks Sevens who has scored over 100 tries in the IRB Sevens World Series will be in action alongside Mark Jackman.
Central Kings: Joshua York and Rocky Khan (NZ), Ignacio Martin (Spain), Colin Hawley, Brett Thompson (USA).
Eastern Eagles: Ashley Smith (England), Amonde Omondi (Kenya), Tom Losefo and Lio Lolo (Samoa), Viliami Hakalo (Tonga).
Jaffna Challengers: Christopher Charles (NZ), Collinns Injera, William Nadayara, Humphrey Emonyi, Oscar Achieng and Felix Ayange (Kenya).
NC Typhoons: Jasa Veremalua, Watisoni Votu, Benito Masilevu, Sakiusa Vatuinaruku and Alipate Ratini (Fiji).
Northern Gladiators: Jordan Tuapou (NZ), Joeli Lutumailagi (Fiji), Viliame Longi and David Halaifonua (Tonga), Folau Niua (USA).
Sabaragamuwa Stallions: Neumi LagiLagi and Levani Botia (Fiji), Uale Mai, Faatoina Tagavaia and Afa Aiono (Samoa), Carlin Isles (USA).
Southern Sharks: Kali Hala and Edwin Cocker (NZ), Nemani Nagusa and Samisoni Viriviri (Fiji).
Uva Vipers: Matua Parkinson, Mark Jackman, Luke Masirewa, DJ Forbes and Waisake Naholo (NZ).
Western Warriors: Kakece Peniasil (NZ), Lote Raikabula, Setefano Cakaunivalu and Osea Kolinisau (Fiji), Reupena Levasa (Samoa).
NW Blacks: Ben Gollings (England), Samuel Dickson, Scott Curry, Harley Lahmert and Kurt Baker (NZ).
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