Defending champions Kandy SC out for first game at Welisara

Saturday, 22 November 2025 00:49 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Defending league and Clifford Cup champions, Kandy Sports Club will launch their 2025/26 campaign with an away fixture against Sri Lanka Navy Sports Club at Welisara today (22 November).

Sailors, lifted by their spirited 31/31 draw against Havelocks in week one, have already shown they are capable of unsettling more fancied opponents.

Kandy enter yet another season as outright favourites, a position they have earned through remarkable consistency over three decades. Since securing their first ever league win in 1994 under Indrajith Bandaranayake, the club has gone on to win the championship an extraordinary 24 times, setting a benchmark unmatched in Sri Lankan rugby.

This year, leadership rests with Tharindu Chathuranga the former Kingswood player who begins his 12th season at the Up Country club. Despite the recent retirements of stalwarts, Nigel Ratwatte and Tarinda Ratwatte, Kandy’s depth remains formidable. Star centre, Danushka Ranjan will miss the opener due to injury but is expected to return for the Sri Lions encounter in Colombo a week Later.

Kandy’s strength lies in their blend of experienced campaigners, Heshan Jensen, Srinath Sooriyabandara, Dinal Ekanayake combined with exciting young talent from Kingswood and Trinity. Their balanced, well-coached unit continues to make them the most complete side in the league.

Meanwhile Sailors put up a brave effort to come on equal terms against the Park Club. Thilina Weerasinghe, Isuru Congahawatte are stand out players for the, plus playing at home they can put the defending champions under pressure but the question remains if they can pace out the entire 80 minutes of play.

Meanwhile, Havelock SC still ruing their opening-week draw against Navy, face a must-win clash against Sri Lions. With the league being short and competitive, the Havies know that any early setback could prove costly as the second round approaches.

Referees: Aruna Shantha (Kandy vs. Navy), Jeewaka Fonseka (Havelocks vs. Sri Lions)