Sri Lanka’s National Men’s and Women’s Rugby teams, the ‘Tuskers’, returned to the island this morning after clinching a historic double championship at the inaugural Central Asia South Asia (CASA) Sevens Rugby Tournament in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Arriving through Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), the teams were greeted with an official reception at the Silk Route/VIP lounge, where 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 gathered to welcome the champions. 

Garlands and trophies marked the triumphant return, with dignitaries conveying the nation’s gratitude for bringing international glory.

The men’s team, captained by Srinath Sooriyabandara and vice‑captain Janidu Dilshan, dominated the final against India with a commanding 31‑10 victory, securing the first‑ever CASA Sevens men’s crown. 

The women’s team, led by captain Charani Liyanage and vice‑captain Sanjeewani Wijetilake, stunned Kazakhstan with a 27‑0 clean sheet to capture the women’s title.

Both squads remained undefeated throughout the tournament held on May 16–17, showcasing skill, discipline, and dominance that rewrote regional rugby history. (Newswire)

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New Zealand Rugby has announced an exciting return to Sri Lanka for the New Zealand Under 85kg national team in April 2026, launching a two‑match international tour designed to deepen global rugby ties and fuel the sport’s growing presence across the region. 

The tour will feature two fixtures against Sri Lanka’s national side, with Game One in Colombo on 25 April and Game Two in Kandy on 3 May. 

Steve Lancaster, Interim Chief Executive of New Zealand Rugby, says that the 2025 tour had a lasting impact well beyond the field. 

“We’re genuinely stoked to be able to confirm this tour and give this team the opportunity to represent New Zealand overseas again. Sri Lanka are a proud rugby nation and last year’s tour drew passionate crowds and strong community engagement. We know the Sri Lankan team will offer another strong challenge on the field and that’s exactly what you expect when you pull on a black jersey.” 

Supporting Ben Sinnamon, Head Coach of the New Zealand Under 85kg team, is a coaching group that blends high-performance experience with deep roots in the community game. Former international John Afoa adds technical and high-performance expertise, while Scott Hooper brings extensive experience within the Under 85kg community through Pukekohe Rugby Club and Counties Manukau Rugby Union. 

The 2026 tour also recognises the role rugby can play in supporting Sri Lanka’s sporting landscape, with the 2025 series widely regarded as a catalyst for renewed interest, participation and pride in the local game. 

The Under 85kg programme continues to play an important role in New Zealand Rugby’s participation pathway, offering representative opportunities for club players while also supporting international rugby development through meaningful engagement. 

2026 Tour Fixtures 

Game One: 

New Zealand Under 85kg v Sri Lanka Tuskers 

Colombo – 25 April 2026 

Game Two: 

New Zealand Under 85kg v Sri Lanka Tuskers 

Kandy – 3 May 2026 

Squad Information 

A New Zealand Under 85kg squad has been confirmed for the tour, featuring a blend of players returning from the 2025 series and new selections from the National Under 85kg Club Cup. 

The squad has been selected from clubs across the country and reflects the growing depth and reach of the Under 85kg game in New Zealand. 

2026 New Zealand Under 85kg National Team

Weight-restricted rugby 

Under 85kg rugby is a weight-restricted format designed to promote inclusivity, skill and safety by removing size mismatches from the game. 

The format places a strong emphasis on speed, fitness, decision making and technical ability rather than physical size. 

New Zealand has the most established and visible weight-restricted programme through Under 85kg rugby, with structured domestic competitions and an international representative pathway. 

International tours play an important role in the development of the programme, exposing players to different playing styles, conditions and rugby cultures. (NZ Rugby)

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The Court of Appeal today dismissed the contempt of court case filed against the Director General of Sports over the alleged failure to conduct elections for Sri Lanka Rugby, as previously agreed before the Colombo District Court.

The ruling was delivered by Acting President of the Court of Appeal Justice Mohamed Lafar Tahir and Justice Priyantha Fernando, who also instructed the withdrawal of the contempt charges.

Appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardena submitted that the contempt rule had been issued based on misrepresented facts and breached the principle of “Uberrima fides”. 

He also noted that the Director General had complied with the undertaking by calling the Special General Meeting of Sri Lanka Rugby and appointing the Election Committee. Accordingly, the Court was requested to withdraw both the rule and the undertaking.

Accepting the submissions, the Court of Appeal recalled the rule, permitted the withdrawal of the undertaking made on December 4, 2024, and terminated Writ Application No. 438/2024. (Newswire)

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Retracting its previous news report claiming that five members of the under-19 Rugby Team of a Colombo School were arrested over an incident of sexual abuse, the state newspaper, Dinamina, today published a correction report stating that only an inquiry was underway.

The Dinamina newspaper reported this week that the students had been arrested by the Special Police Investigation Unit of the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) based on a complaint filed by the affected 15-year-old victim. 

The report further said that the boy had been sexually abused by his fellow teammates during a sports camp in the North between 12- 24 April and that five members of the Rugby team, including the captain and vice captain, had been arrested. 

However, in a correction report published today, the Dinamina newspaper said that the National Child Protection Authority has clarified that the students had not been arrested, as previously reported.

The news report said that the NCPA informed that following investigations conducted by its Special Police Investigation Unit, the students had been summoned to record statements over the incident.

The NCPA further said that its Special Police Investigation Unit had presented facts before the court and is continuing investigations into the accused group. (Newswire)

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A team of top New Zealand Rugby referees have arrived in Sri Lanka to elevate the standard of officiating among local rugby referees ahead of the upcoming Club rugby season.

The programme is organised under the leadership of Sri Lankan-born Krishan Ambawatte, now residing in New Zealand, in partnership with the Sri Lanka Society of Rugby Football Referees and Sri Lanka Rugby, supported by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Sports.

The experienced New Zealand Rugby referees will participate in a 24-day referee development and training program aimed at elevating local officiating and club coaching standards. 

The New Zealand Rugby referees, who are members of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, will deliver crucial training right before the 2024/25 Sri Lanka Club Rugby Season. 

The objective of the initiative is to prepare Sri Lankan referees with enhanced skills and knowledge to support higher standards of officiating across the country. 

Here’s a closer look at the experts joining this effort:

Sam Fellows: A Level-2 referee with 21 years of experience across Auckland, Waikato, and the Southern California Rugby Unions. He’s also currently a NZ National Referee. He’s officiated 39 New Zealand First Class games, 110 Provincial Premier games, and three World Rugby Sevens tournaments. His highlights include refereeing the Bay of Plenty Premier Final and officiating the Coral Coast Sevens in Fiji. Sam’s coaching experience will add further depth to the training. Sports Lecturer, Lawyer, Tribunal Member of Prime Minister’s Sports Tribunal of New Zealand and Deputy Chairperson of Bay of Plenty Rugby Union.

Sam Thompson: With over 18 years in refereeing, Sam is currently affiliated with the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union. He has officiated 40+ New Zealand First Class games and 144 Provincial Premier games, ranking as the top referee in Horowhenua-Kāpiti Rugby Union from 2018 to 2023. His accolades include three Premier finals and two Hurricane Zone College Boys Finals.

Sean Curragh: Representing the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, Sean brings seven years of experience, including officiating the Bay of Plenty Premier Development Final and working as an assistant referee for National NPC games. Sean has officiated five Provincial Premier games and is steadily making his mark in rugby officiating. He’s also a current Chief’s Region Development Squad Member.

Speaking on the initiative, Krishan Ambawatte, a civil engineer who has refereed national touch rugby and assistant referees at the provincial premier rugby level, said he had reached out to Sri Lanka Rugby Referees to help realise this vision. 

“Earlier this year, I reached out to Sri Lanka Rugby Referees to help realise this vision, offering my support for a comprehensive training program for Sri Lankan referees at no cost. This proposal was well received by the Sri Lanka Society of Rugby Football Referees, Sri Lanka Rugby & Ministry of Sports. 

“Our team is dedicated to making a positive impact in Sri Lankan rugby, providing training workshops with referees (tier 1-3), Judicial/Citing Officers, administrators, and club coaches and captains, as well as officiating several matches during the trip. This collaboration represents a valuable opportunity to build lasting connections between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, aiming to create a legacy of improved rugby officiating for both nations,” he said.

Krishan Ambawatte added that the initiative was also made possible through the efforts of Sri Lanka Society of Rugby Football Referees’ (SLSRFR) Chairman Dinka Peiris, Referee Manager Anil Jayasinghe, Treasurer Madhawa Wijesiri, Asia Rugby Referee Manager Dilroy Fernando, and the Director General of Sports at the Ministry of Sports Dr. Shemal Fernando. (Newswire)

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The rugby encounters scheduled for this week under the Schools Rugby League 2024 have been postponed due to a decision by the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Referees (SLSRFR) to abstain from officiating matches for the next two weeks.

The SLSRFR has decided to abstain from officiating matches of the Schools Rugby League 2024 until July 15, 2024.

The decision has been taken over the incident that occurred on June 30 following the game between Science College and S. Thomas’, where the referees had allegedly been assaulted by Science College supporters. 

The Sri Lanka Schools’ Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) has launched an independent investigation into the incident, alongside the ongoing investigations underway by the Mount Lavinia Police.

The SLSRFA has also expressed its unconditional apology to the SLSRFR and has requested the match officials to reconsider their decision which has resulted in the suspension of the Schools ‘A’ Division League Rugby tournaments. (Newswire)

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Trinity College ruggerite Shabeer Ahamed has passed away following an illness, the school announced.

College Principal Fr. Araliya Jayasundara issuing a statement said that Ahamed succumbed to multi-organ failure after severe pneumonia.

“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we inform you of the tragic passing of one of our cherished students and rugby players, Mast. Shabeer Ahamed, due to multi organ failure following severe pneumonia.”

“Shabeer was a very pleasant child and beloved member of our school community. This loss is deeply felt by all who knew Shabeer and we extend our heartfelt condolences to their family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement said.

Tributes have poured in from the Sri Lankan rugby community for the 19-year-old player. (Newswire)

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Australian rugby legend David Campese, also known as Campo, has arrived in Sri Lanka to attend multiple events.

Campes is a former Australian rugby union player, who was capped by the Wallabies 101 times, and played 85 Tests at wing and 16 at fullback.

The Wallabies rugby legend arrived in Sri Lanka last night (Jan 28).

He is scheduled to participate in the centenary celebrations of Zahira College, Colombo.

Campes will thereafter, participate in a training event for local trainers organized by the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA).

The SLSRFA event will be held on Wednesday (Jan 31) from 08.00 am to 12.00 pm at the CR&FC grounds in Colombo. 

The SLSRFA has invited coaches from all the schools to join the event in view of the upcoming school rugby season. (NewsWire)

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A Gazette notification has been issued announcing the revoking of the Stabilization Committee of Sri Lanka Rugby.

The Gazette was issued by Minister of Sports Roshan Ranasinghe dated September 25, 2023. 

In July 2023, the Court of Appeal issued an interim order to halt the implementation of the Sports Minister’s gazette notification that suspended the activities of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) and its chairman, Rizly Illyas.

The Gazette suspending activities of SLR was issued by the Sports Minister after the World Rugby Council suspended Sri Lanka Rugby from World Rugby membership with immediate effect in May 2023.

The suspension was in response to concerns about the governance of Sri Lanka Rugby and a breach of the World Rugby Bye-Laws relating to political interference.

The newly issued Gazette notification announcing the revoking of the Stabilization Committee of Sri Lanka Rugby is as follows:

http://documents.gov.lk/files/egz/2023/9/2351-06_S.pdf (NewsWire)

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A Police inquiry has been launched over the assault of the Head Coach of the St. Joseph’s College Rugby team in Kandy.

According to reports, Head Coach Nilfer Ibrahim was assaulted following his team’s victory over Kingswood College in Pallekelle. 

St. Joseph’s College recorded a victory of 48 points to 15 against Kingswood College in their Dialog Schools rugby league fixture.

Following the victory, a group verbally abused Nilfer and assaulted him, according to the complaint lodged with the Police.

The Head Coach of the St. Joseph’s College Rugby team is reported to have sustained several injuries in the assault.

Nilfer Ibrahim is a prominent ruggerite and has coached Several top schools in Rugby. He is a former student of Kingswood College which St Joseph’s beat yesterday.

Meanwhile, Kingswood College’s rugby union has released a statement on the alleged incident. 

“We wish to inform you that the incident involving a parent and our esteemed Old Boy, Nilfer Ibrahim, is currently under investigation by the Kingswood Rugby Union and the school officials. It is essential to maintain the integrity of this process,” the union said. 

The union further added, “Please be advised that the Kingswood Rugby Union will issue an official notice regarding this matter in due course.” (NewsWire)

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Zahira College Colombo, one of the Pioneers at school-level rugby in Sri Lanka who started competitively playing the sport in 1924, is all set to return to A Division Rugby in the 2023 Schools Rugby League. 

Moose Clothing has been a valuable contributor in terms of Sponsorship for Sports in Sri Lanka and has come forward to support the A Division Journey of Zahira Rugby 2023 as the Main Sponsor. Apart from them, ROZA from Diamond Best Foods will also be Co-Sponsoring Zahira Rugby this year.

Sports at Zahira has achieved rapid growth over the past few years, and this includes Rugby. Zahira Played Top division Rugby in 2017, 2018, and 2019 and after Playing just one year (2022) in B division they have been able to come back to A Division Rugby.They were unbeaten in League stages last year and ended up as Runners-up in the Premier Trophy. In the recently concluded CR & FC Centenary Rugby Sevens tournament Zahira displayed exceptional prowess on the field beating Vidyartha College, DS Senanayake College, and ended up as runners-up in the Plate Segment.

This year, Adhil Rafeek will captain Zahira’s first XV team with Abdullah Rizvi as Vice-Captain, while the coaching staff will be led by former Sri Lankan rugby player Anuranga Walpola. The team has the full backing of the College administration, including the Principal and the Sports Council. Inzam Irfan will

be the Team Manager and Dinesh Kumara will serve as the team’s trainer and backline coach. Kicking will be overseen by Dev Anand, with Mohamed Nafess serving as an assistant trainer. Dilupa Chathuranga will be the team’s masseur and Sanjeewa will be the team’s physiotherapist. Dr. K D Devapriya will also serve as the official doctor for the Zahira 1st XV Rugby team.

Zahira College is one of four schools in the Island that began Rugby and won the Maiden League title in 1934. It dominated the rugby arena until the 1960s, when it last won the League title in 1962, and it will be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming Schools Rugby League 2023. This year, they will kick off their season on June 24th at Bogambara Stadium with their first match against Dharmaraja College Kandy.

Zahira First XV Rugby Squad for the year 2023 will be as follows

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The Webb Ellis Cup, the Rugby World Cup trophy will be on display for the first time in the history of Sri Lanka on the 18th, 19th and 22nd of February 2023.

Organized by Master Card Sri Lanka, the trophy will be opened for public viewing in Colombo and Kandy during this period.

The trophy will be displayed at the Racecourse Grounds in Colombo from 04.00 pm to 08.00 pm on Saturday, 18th February 2023.

The Webb Ellis Cup will be on display at the CR & FC Grounds in Colombo from 11.00 am to 03.00 pm on Sunday, 19th February 2023.

The Rugby World Cup trophy will be on display at the Kandy Sports Club from 10.00 am to 02.00 pm on Wednesday, 22nd February 2023. (NewsWire)

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A tense situation was reported during the inter-club rugby league match between Sri Lanka Navy and the Kandy SC at the Welisara Grounds.

A female spectator supporting the Sri Lanka Navy had opposed an individual and assaulted the latter after which a tense situation had arisen halting the match.

Video footage of the incident shows the woman later being escorted away from the referee after which the match was continued.

The Kandy SC team won the match 37-28.

Watch video: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=873212583914737&extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-AN_GK0T-GK1C&mibextid=2Rb1fB&ref=sharing (NewsWire)

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