Saturday Apr 04, 2026
Saturday Apr 04, 2026
Saturday, 21 March 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shamseer Jaleel
The Dialog Schools Rugby Knockout Tournament 2026 moves into its quarter-final stage this weekend, with all four matches scheduled to be played in Colombo.
The centralised format has once again drawn attention, even as the competition reaches its most decisive phase.
Today at Royal Complex, St. Peter’s College will clash with Wesley College. Wesley advanced after defeating Mahanama College, while the Peterites overcame Ananda College in convincing fashion. Wesley will be minus their regular skipper and cracking centre, Kaizer Lye who is nursing with an injury, he is expected to join the squad soon. Referee will be Ishanka Abeykoon
The action continues on March 22 when Trinity College take on Zahira College at the Sugathadasa Stadium. Trinity, the reigning league champions and last year’s runners-up, beat Thurstan College but showed signs of pressure in the latter stages. Zahira, meanwhile, impressed in their win over D. S. Senanayake College. Referee will be Raveen Alexander
Defending champions Isipathana College will meet St. Joseph’s College Colombo at the Royal Sports Complex on 22 March. The Green Machine cruised past Science College Mount Lavinia, while the Josephians edged Kingswood College Kandy in a thrilling pre-quarterfinal that required extra time. Referee will be Jeewaka Fonseka
In the final quarter-final, Royal College will face S. Thomas’ College at Havelock Park on 22 March. The Thomians rallied strongly to beat Kandy Sumangala College, while Royal dominated their encounter against St. Anthony’s College Katugastota. Referee will be Kelum Sandaruwan.
While anticipation builds ahead of the semi-finals scheduled for 28 and 29 March, questions remain over the tournament structure.
There is growing sentiment that the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association should consider revising the format to allow higher-ranked teams to host knockout matches. Such a change would reward league performance, reduce travel burdens particularly for teams like Trinity defending League Champions, travelling from Kandy and still enable the governing body to retain commercial benefits, ensuring a more balanced and competitive future for schools rugby. This was practiced by Sri Lanka Rugby at the recently concluded Clifford Cup knock out tournament 2026.
Today
- Referee Ishanka Abeykoon
Tomorrow
- Referee Raveen Alexander
- Referee Jeewaka Fonseka
- Referee Kelum Sandaruwan
