Second string Sri Lanka to face Hong Kong on 24 May

Wednesday, 20 May 2026 03:29 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka will launch their Asia Rugby Top 3 campaign against Hong Kong China on 24 May at the Racecourse Ground in what promises to be a crucial encounter for the hosts, despite both teams fielding depleted squads.

The tournament was originally scheduled as a four-team competition featuring the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. However, the UAE’s withdrawal has reduced the event to a two-match series involving Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and South Korea.

Hong Kong, who have already secured qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, are expected to arrive with a development squad rather than their full-strength outfit. The visitors will nevertheless start as favourites given their superior experience and depth at international level.

Sri Lanka too will be without several leading players, particularly the 21 contracted national Sevens squad members, forcing the selectors to name a largely second-string squad for the tournament. Despite the setbacks, the expanded training pool has created opportunities for several emerging players eager to prove themselves on the international stage.

Head coach Dushanth Lewke has assembled an energetic group blending youth with a handful of experienced campaigners. The local players have shown promising form during the domestic season and will look to rise to the occasion against one of Asia’s strongest rugby nations.

The Racecourse clash is expected to provide Sri Lanka with a valuable benchmark ahead of their away fixture against South Korea in June. With home support behind them and several players fighting for permanent national selection, Sri Lanka will be aiming to produce a spirited performance and challenge the fancied Hong Kong outfit in Colombo. The Sri Lankan squad will be selected today following training.