Saturday Apr 04, 2026
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By Shamseer Jaleel
The 24th Inter Plantation Rugby Sevens, organised by Dickoya Maskeliya Cricket Club, is set to come alive tomorrow (4 April) at Darawela Ground with the first kick-off scheduled for 9 a.m. promising an exciting day of fast-paced rugby action with 2 groups of 4 teams each announced by the organising committee headed by former Ananda rugby player, Manjula Samarakoon.
Pool A will feature Malwatte, Balangoda, Elpitiya, and Hatton, while Pool B consists of Thalawakelle, Kelani Valley, Kotagala, and Maskeliya, setting the stage for some closely contested encounters in the group phase.
At the conclusion of the first round, the top two teams from each group will advance to the Cup semi-finals, keeping their title hopes alive. The remaining teams will continue to compete in the subsidiary segments, maintaining the tournament’s inclusive and competitive spirit.
The teams finishing third in their respective groups will battle it out in the Bowl final, while the fourth-placed sides will contest the Shield final, ensuring all teams remain engaged until the very end. Meanwhile, the teams that fall short in the Cup semi-finals will regroup for the Plate final, adding another layer of competition and opportunity for silverware in this prestigious sevens tournament.
Beyond the on-field action, the Inter Plantation Rugby Sevens stands as immense contribution of plantation communities to Sri Lanka’s rugby landscape. Over the decades, these regions have produced naturally gifted players known for their physical fitness who had gone to represent the country with much distinction.