Inter-Club Top Division Rugby League Week 4 fixtures put off

Thursday, 4 December 2025 01:56 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) has decided to postpone all Week 4 fixtures of the Inter-Club Top Division Rugby League 2025/26 following the severe impact of Cyclone Ditwah and the heavy rains that swept across the country.

With several regions experiencing flooding, disruptions, and unstable ground conditions, the Executive Committee prioritised player safety and the well-being of match officials, supporters, and venue staff in an emergency meeting yesterday.

The revised schedule sees Week 4 fixtures shifted to one week prior to the Super Round, while Week 3 matches originally kept free for Christmas holidays will now be played between 26 to 28 December. This adjustment ensures the league maintains its competitive flow while respecting the larger national recovery efforts currently underway.

SLR also acknowledged the tireless work of the Tri forces and the Police, who continue to support relief operations and restore normalcy across the country. Their widespread deployment made it essential for SLR to avoid placing additional logistical burdens on these key national services, reflecting the sport’s solidarity with ongoing humanitarian needs.

Despite the scheduling reshuffle, the importance of the League remains undiminished. The Inter-Club Rugby League is the backbone of Sri Lankan domestic rugby, shaping form, fitness, and depth ahead of the prestigious Clifford Cup Knockout Tournament, which follows immediately after the League’s conclusion. Both events are crucial platforms for player development and national selection.

The upcoming Asia Rugby (AR) Top 4 qualifier against Malaysia adds further weight to the domestic calendar. The result of this high-stakes encounter will determine whether Sri Lanka remains in the elite AR Top 4 in 2026 competing alongside Hong Kong, South Korea, and the UAE or faces relegation to Division 1. With national XV rugby at a defining crossroads, maintaining player preparedness and match readiness is vital.