Schools rugby moves to week 4 as rain poses major threat

Saturday, 16 May 2026 04:13 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

All matches scheduled for early start due to inclement weather, junior matches cancelled

By Shamseer Jaleel

Defending league champions Trinity College will begin their title defence in Colombo for the first time when the Dialog Schools Under-19 Rugby League 2026 continues with an exciting nine-match schedule over today and tomorrow, 16 and 17 May.

A total of six matches will be worked off today while three more encounters are scheduled for tomorrow, as the schools rugby season gathers momentum across several venues in the country. Organisers are also expected to push for early starts to matches due to the prevailing evening weather conditions, with heavy rain, thunder and lightning affecting several parts of the island during late afternoons. All matches are scheduled to kick off at 3.30 p.m., with the majority of the junior games having been cancelled.

The spotlight will firmly be on defending champions Trinity College, who travel to Colombo to face D. S. Senanayake College in what will be their first title defence outing in the capital this season. Trinity will be keen to continue their strong form after emerging champions last year, while D. S. Senanayake will look to challenge the Kandy giants on home territory. Trinity already dominated with half-century-plus scores against Antonians and Lumbini and played some superb rugby to outclass Sri Sumangala Kandy. Meanwhile, D. S., going through some tough times, lost to Sumangala, Isipathana and Antonians in a close encounter. On form, Trinity should continue with their unbeaten run to face the Greens in one week’s time.

Another key clash today will see St. Joseph’s College and Wesley College lock horns at the CR and FC Ground, while Isipathana College, one of the tournament favourites, will travel to Pallekele to meet Sri Sumangala. Ananda College will host St. Peter’s College at Ananda Grounds. Zahira College will battle S. Thomas’ College at Zahira Grounds in another eagerly awaited contest, while Mahanama College meet Prince of Wales College at Air Force Grounds, Ratmalana.

Tomorrow, Kingswood College face Royal College in a top Division 1A encounter at the Trinity College Rugby Stadium in Pallekele. St. Anthony’s College take on Lumbini College at Nittawela, while Thurstan College meet Science College at Science Grounds.

With unpredictable weather continuing to disrupt evening sports schedules, officials and schools are expected to prioritise early kick-offs to ensure player safety and avoid interruptions caused by lightning and heavy downpours. The nine games are expected to attract large crowds as the race for league honours intensifies.

16 May

DS vs. Trinity at Police Park; Referee: Raveen Alexander

St. Joseph’s vs. Wesley at Longdon Place; Referee: Hasantha Weranga

Sri Sumangala vs. Isipathana at Pallekele; Referee: Gihan Yatawara

Ananda vs. St. Peter’s at Rajagiriya; Referee: Tharindu Perera

Zahira vs. S. Thomas’ at Maradana; Referee: Ishanka Abeykoon

Mahanama vs. Prince of Wales at Air Force Grounds; Referee: Jeewaka Fonseka

17 May

Kingswood vs. Royal at Pallekele; Referee: Ishanka Abeykoon

St. Anthony’s vs. Lumbini at Nittawela; Referee: Raveen Alexander

Thurstan vs. Science at Mount Lavinia; Referee: Hasantha Weranga