Saturday Feb 28, 2026
Saturday Feb 28, 2026
Thursday, 26 February 2026 04:21 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shamseer Jaleel
The Clifford Cup knockout rugby tournament stands as one of the oldest and most prestigious competitions in Sri Lankan rugby, carrying a legacy that stretches back more than a century. From its early days in Ceylon, the tournament emerged as the premier stage for club supremacy.
Introduced during the formative years of organised rugby, the competition quickly became the ultimate prize for leading clubs. Winning the Clifford Cup has long symbolised excellence, often defining a team’s season and cementing its place in domestic rugby history.
A key feature of the tournament was its role in promoting rugby beyond Colombo. Many matches, including major fixtures, were deliberately hosted in Kandy and other outstations to expand the sport’s reach and strengthen provincial rugby culture across the country.
The governing body Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union, led by Priyantha Ekanayake, introduced a system where the tournament is staged in Colombo every other year. This made expenditures heavy on the only outstation club in the A division as they had to travel no less than 6 times to Colombo during the season.
Historically, the knockout format has produced intense rivalries and unforgettable encounters. As provincial clubs grew stronger, they challenged Colombo’s dominance, adding depth and unpredictability to the competition. The emergence of service teams such as Army Sports Club, Navy Sports Club, Air Force Sports Club and Police Sports Club further elevated standards, transforming the Clifford Cup into a fiercely contested national event.
Among the most influential clubs, Kandy Sports Club remains the most successful, beginning with their 1992 triumph over Police at Nittawela. Traditional powerhouses such as CR and FC, Havelock Sports Club, CH and FC and Dimbula Athletic and Cricket Club have also shaped its rich competitive history.
Kandy stands out with 23 wins since 1992 as the lead8ng club with CR winning 15 times. Kandy had lost only twice in 1994 and 2014 while staying away, objecting when it was staged in Colombo.
Today, the Clifford Cup continues to represent prestige, resilience and tradition. Despite evolving venues and administration, the tournament remains a defining pillar of Sri Lankan rugby, celebrated for its history and enduring competitive spirit. This year’s tournament will kick off in Colombo when CR hosts Navy at L9ngdon Place while CH will host Air Force at Royal Sports Complex on the same day. On the following day Kandy will host Army at Nittawela while Havies host Police at Havelock Park.
