Monday Nov 03, 2025
Monday Nov 03, 2025
Saturday, 18 October 2025 01:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Sri Lanka Women’s skipper Randika Kumudumali and Men’s skipper Kavindu Perera
By Shamseer Jaleel
The Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2025 will reach its highly anticipated conclusion today and tomorrow, at the Race Course ground marking the return of top-tier Asian Sevens rugby to Sri Lanka after an eight-year hiatus. This much-awaited finale promises world-class action, passionate crowds, and a celebration of the sport’s resurgence in the region.
Following the exciting opening leg in Hangzhou, China, where fans witnessed elite Sevens rugby at its best, Colombo now sets the stage for the ultimate showdown that will crown Asia’s champions. With 12 Men’s and equal number of Women’s competing, this event will see Asia Rugby’s growing confidence in Sri Lanka’s ability to host premier international tournaments once again.
The Men’s division will feature powerhouse teams such as Hong Kong China, Japan, China, UAE, Malaysia, South Korea, Taipei, Uzbekistan, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines and hosts Sri Lanka. Each side will battle not only for regional supremacy but also for critical qualification points toward the World Rugby Sevens Division 3 pathway.
In the Women’s division, the competition will be just as fierce, with Japan, China, Hong Kong China, Thailand, Kazakhstan, India, UAE, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, and hosts Sri Lanka.
The newly elected Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) President Pavithra Fernando welcomed the global rugby community, saying, “We are proud to host this prestigious event. This is a statement of intent Sri Lanka Rugby is ready to rise again. Our goal is to host more world-class events and inspire a new generation of players and fans.
Kavindu Perera will lead the Men’s outfit who ended in number 4 in the first leg while Randika Kumudumali will lead the Girls outfit ending number 9 in the first leg in China.
Men’s will play Uzbekistan (12.40 p.m.), Singapore (5.04 p.m.) and China (9.50 p.m.) on the opening day on 18 October. Meanwhile in the women’s segment Sri Lankan girls will meet Thailand (10.28 a.m.), Hong Kong China (3.14 p.m.) and Singapore (7.16 p.m.).
