Saturday Nov 15, 2025
Saturday Nov 15, 2025
Friday, 14 November 2025 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shamseer Jaleel
The wait is finally over for local rugby fans as the Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) Inter Club Rugby League 2025/2026 season kicks off today (14 November), marking the start of four months of high-intensity action. The curtain-raiser will see Havelock Sports Club host Sri Lanka Navy Sports Club, while the other game between CH and FC and Police Sports Club encounter too has been brought forward to be played today at the Race Course Rugby Ground.
Both fixtures are expected to draw large crowds as the country’s finest domestic players return to the spotlight, with kick-off scheduled at 4 p.m.
The excitement continues the following day with Sri Lions being the home team playing their encounter against CR and FC at Longdon Place, while on the same day Sri Lanka Air Force Sports Club lock horns with Sri Lanka Army Sports Club at Ratmalana.
Defending League and Clifford Cup champions, Kandy Sports Club, will sit out the opening week but remain the team to beat, having dominated the domestic circuit for nearly three-plus decades since 1992.
This season carries added significance as the XV-a-side format will serve as a crucial yardstick for national selection ahead of Sri Lanka’s Asia Rugby Championship clash against Malaysia soon after the completion of the League and the Clifford Cup.
The performances in the league and Clifford Cup knockout will directly influence the composition of the national team, which aims to remain among the top four rugby-playing nations in Asia.
With the Asian campaign looming, selectors will be closely monitoring the league for consistent performers, especially in key positions such as the halves, front row, and backline combinations. The tournament offers the perfect platform for emerging talent to prove their readiness for international duty.
SLR officials have emphasised that this year’s competition will not only determine club supremacy but also shape Sri Lanka’s strategic direction in the 15-a-side game. The focus will be on building cohesion and fitness.
As the new season unfolds, the league promises more than just club rivalry; it becomes a proving ground for players aiming to wear the national jersey and ensure Sri Lanka’s continued presence among Asia’s elite rugby nations.
