Inter Plantation Rugby Sevens kicks off on 4 April

Tuesday, 31 March 2026 03:18 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: Dickoya Maskeliya Cricket Club Secretary Ravindra Sannasuriya, Vice President and Rugby Convenor Manjula Samarakoon, President Lalindra Abayawardana, BC Agrotronics Deputy General Manager Kumar Bhareti, Consultant Upul Thalagoda, and General Manager Malinda Perera

– Pic by Shehan Gunasekera

By Shamseer Jaleel

The 24th Inter Plantation Rugby Sevens is set to once again unite the plantation community in a vibrant celebration of sport and camaraderie when it kicks off at Darawela Grounds in Dickoya on 4 April.

With matches scheduled to begin from 8 a.m. tournament promises a thrilling show of fast-paced Sevens rugby blended with a festive carnival atmosphere unique to the hill country.

Played for the prestigious Bartleet Meyer Trophy, the tournament has, over the years, evolved into a flagship event in the plantation sporting calendar. It continues to draw large crowds and enthusiastic support from across the region, highlighting both competitive rugby and community spirit.

The Cup Championship, the most sought-after title, will see defending champions Malwatte Valley Plantations return to safeguard their crown after an impressive performance last year built on cohesion and disciplined play. Talawakelle Tea Estates, who finished as runners-up, will be eager to go one step further this time and dethrone the defending champions.

In the other segments, Maskeliya Plantations enter as Plate champions, while Elpitiya Plantations hold the Bowl title. Kotagala and Agrapathana Plantations will defend the Shield Championship, adding further competition across all tiers of the tournament.

This year’s event will be graced by Chief Guest Menaka Athukorala, Managing Director and CEO of Hatton Plantations, whose presence adds significance to the occasion. The involvement of well-known figures such as Mark Dirkze and Channa De Costa further enhances the stature of the tournament.

Former Ananda rugby player Manjula Samarakoon will serve as Tournament Director, with Lalindra Abyawardena heading the organising committee as Club President, ensuring a professionally conducted event.

With nine teams set to compete this year and plans already underway for next year’s Silver Jubilee edition, which is expected to include South Asian planter teams, the Inter Plantation Rugby Sevens continues to grow in scale and prestige, promising another memorable day of rugby in the Hill Country.