Hong Kong China secure debut RWC 2027 berth in Australia as Sri Lanka licks its wounds

Hong Kong China secured qualification for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia after defeating Korea 70-22 in the final round of the Asia Rugby Championship 2025 on Saturday

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka’s campaign in the Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship 2025 fell agonisingly short, as back-to-back defeats to South Korea and the United Arab Emirates left the Island nation facing a relegation play-off. 

Hong Kong China booked their debut Rugby World Cup appearance in Australia during 2027 while UAE with some consistency shown across the tournament taking them to next level where they will play African nation runner up and that winner will book their berth too to Australia. South Korea ended third pushing Sri Lanka to the last position.

Sri Lanka opening fixture saw them suffer a narrow 38/34 loss to South Korea in Colombo, despite recovering from a 15-point first-half deficit. The hosts rallied with five well-taken tries, showing heart and skill, only to be undone by late defensive lapses. Mainly not taking the kickable penalties, not clearing their territory but trying to attack from in goal area cost them the game.

Just days later, the Sri Lanka hosting UAE were edged out 29/21 in Colombo. Sri Lanka led briefly and matched the visitors for physicality, but a 22/16 halftime deficit proved decisive. Turning pressure into opportunities proved elusive in the second half. In between these two games, they were handed off by the champions, Hong Kong China away in Hong Kong 78/7.

These results leave Sri Lanka bottom of the Top 4 pool and in a must-win relegation encounter against the Division 1 champions, likely Malaysia, to retain their place in Asia’s elite tier. A loss would relegate them to Division 1 for 2026.

Sri Lanka’s stumble can be attributed in part to a truncated preparation window. The squad assembled just three weeks prior to the championship, limiting time for tactical cohesion and conditioning under New Zealand Coach, Rodney Gibbs.

Moreover, several leading players were unavailable. Injuries ruled out many seniors which put the youngsters into deep end. Despite these setbacks, front-rowers Vimukthi Gamage, Tharindu Chathuranga, Thilina Bandara and Lasindu Karunathilake defied expectations, matching heavier packs in scrums and breakdowns. Their work rates underpinned Sri Lanka’s attacking platform.

Scrum-halfs Heshan Jensen and Mohamed Rifan in the UAE game were omnipresent, their sniping runs and quick distribution unearthing gaps in opposing defences. Yet without his usual midfield partners at full strength, clean line-breaks proved harder to convert.

The limited camp duration also curtailed set-piece drilling. Line outs suffered miscommunications under pressure, while scrum stability wavered against seasoned Asian opponents. These technical frailties proved costly.

In attack, Sri Lanka displayed flashes of brilliance quick ruck ball and wide sweeping moves yielded memorable tries, but consistency eluded them when transitioning from defence to offense. Dinal Ekanayake stood out in the three quarters line along with full back Mursheed Doray.

Looking ahead to the relegation play-off, Sri Lanka must address these areas swiftly. A renewed training block, reintegration of injured veterans, and targeted tactical drills will be essential.

With pride and Asia’s Top 4 status on the line, Sri Lanka’s next match represents both a test and an opportunity if they can show promise against the AR Division 1 winner in the relegation encounter, which is a must win encounter.

Dushanth Lewke, who was in charge of the forwards, showed immense promise, with the little-experienced players doing really well, while the three-quarters were looked after by Lasintha de Costa.