DG Sports approves HK referees for two important matches

Thursday, 3 July 2025 02:48 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sunny Lee

Francesco Cammisa

By Shamseer Jaleel

In a landmark decision, two pivotal Dialog Schools Under-19 League fixtures on 5 July will be officiated by Hong Kong referees as the four principals of Trinity, Royal, Isipathana and S. Thomas’ had written to Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association requesting for overseas referees.

Director General of Sports, Shemal Fernando approved these two appointments yesterday (2 July) of the overseas referees and kept informed the Work Task Force headed by SDIG (rtd.) Lateef. As per DG Sports this is subject to Ministry of Education approval.

S. Thomas’ College and Isipathana College, both unbeaten, will contest the inaugural Rizvi Suhayb Trophy at Mount Lavinia under the watchful eyes of Hong Kong’s Sunny Lee.

Simultaneously in Kandy, Trinity College and Royal College both teams undefeated in four outings will clash at the Trinity College Rugby Stadium with another Hong Kong official, Matt Rodden tipped to blow the whistle. Both Matt and Lee will arrive in Colombo today to serve as assistant referees at the Asia Rugby Top 4 encounter between Sri Lanka and the UAE on 4 July.

The move aims to elevate refereeing standards, minimise bias, and safeguard the fairness of contests that will shape Cup-segment qualification.

Notably, Wesley College and St. Peter’s College also tipped for Cup-segment berths have yet to declare their support for overseas officials.

As the league reaches its crucial juncture, the presence of Lee and Rodden promises a fresh benchmark in match officiating. Their international experience and proven track records in high-stakes Asian fixtures are expected to bring clarity to critical decisions.

It’s interesting to see in Round 2 of the Cup segment if these overseas referees will continue or not. Each week will consist of three matches.

First round will end on 6 July and there will be a break for seven days before the Cup, Plate and Bowl segment encounters kick off on 18 July.