Scheduling of matches and Sri Lanka Rugby messes again

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka Rugby finds itself under scrutiny once again, following a scheduling conflict that could have been easily avoided with better planning and communication between them and Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA).

The much-anticipated Under-85kg clash between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, set to be played at Nittawela Rugby Stadium falls on the same day (4 May) as two vital President’s Trophy knockout quarterfinals scheduled in Colombo. Both sets of matches are crucial, drawing heavy interest from local rugby fans and stakeholders.

According to a reliable source SLSRFA had reportedly submitted their dates and tournament structure months in advance. Despite this early communication, the scheduling of the New Zealand tour appears to have been finalised later—raising concerns about procedural transparency and oversight by SLR.

The overlap has created unnecessary tension between school rugby officials and the national governing body. It has also forced players, coaches, fans, and media personnel to choose between premier school-level fixtures and an international encounter, undermining both events’ significance. This encounter against New Zealand is played after a lapse of nearly 117 years.

The current situation could have been avoided with a centralised scheduling mechanism that respects prior commitments and fosters collaboration across all levels of the game.

Players involved in both competitions are at risk of being overburdened, while spectators—already split across multiple venues—will miss out on witnessing the best of local and international rugby action. Further it’s interesting to note as all the coaching staff are doing a volunteer job for the country also involved with the schools.

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