Colombo set to host Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series Finale

Friday, 9 October 2026 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Representatives of Platinum Sponsor Cargills (Ceylon) PLC and Sri Lanka Rugby

By Shamseer Jaleel

Colombo is set to take centre stage in Asian rugby when Sri Lanka hosts the final leg of the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2026 at the Racecourse Ground on October 17 and 18.

The two-day tournament will bring together the region's leading Sevens teams, with 12 men's teams and 12 women's teams expected to compete for honours as the series reaches its conclusion in Colombo.

Hong Kong China's men and Japan's women arrive in Sri Lanka as winners of the opening round, held in Suzhou, China. Hong Kong China produced an impressive performance to defeat Japan 19-7 in the men's final, while Japan dominated the women's final, beating China 24-5.

For Sri Lanka, hosting the concluding leg provides an important opportunity for both the men's and women's teams to improve on their performances in the opening round and finish the series strongly in front of their home supporters. The return of the Asia Rugby Sevens Series to Colombo for the second consecutive year is also significant for Sri Lanka Rugby, providing another opportunity to showcase the country as a destination capable of hosting major international sporting events. The tournament is expected to attract rugby supporters, visiting teams, officials and overseas visitors to the capital. It also comes after a dismal performance at the Asian Games in Japan, where Sri Lanka finished seventh out of 12 teams.

The Colombo leg has received strong corporate backing, with Cargills (Ceylon) PLC coming on board as the Platinum Sponsor. Commercial Bank, Resplendent Ceylon and Sathosa Motors PLC (SML) are the Gold Sponsors, while Prima Kottu Mee has joined as the Silver Sponsor.

The tournament's official partners include ThePapare as Broadcasting Partner, Aitken Spence Travels as Transport Partner, Asiri Medical Hospital as Health & Care Partner, EFM 88.3 as Radio Partner and American Water as Hydration Partner. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, H One – a Dialog company, Mobil and ONYX Nutrition will support the event as Associate Sponsors.

Sri Lanka Rugby is inviting rugby fans to turn up in numbers at the Racecourse Ground on October 17 and 18 and get behind the national teams as Colombo hosts the final chapter of the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2026.