Friday Apr 24, 2026
Friday Apr 24, 2026
Thursday, 23 April 2026 03:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Dialog Schools Under-19 Rugby League 2026 kicks off today, ushering in one of the most anticipated events in the Sri Lankan sporting calendar, second only to national cricket in spectator appeal.
School rugby in Sri Lanka continues to command massive crowds, passionate alumni support, and intense rivalries, making it a cornerstone of the country’s sporting culture plus huge commercial value for the sponsor.
The opening fixture will see Wesley College take on Prince of Wales College at Havelock Park today, setting the tone for an exciting opening week of competition. Cracking centre Kaizer Lye will lead the Double Blues, who ended as runner-up during the last League season.
The Double Blues will be once again coached by Terence Henry.
A total of nine matches are scheduled in Round One, spread across four days, with teams divided into three competitive groups battling for early momentum. Two games will be worked off in Central Hills on 25 April, while the balance seven will be in Colombo.
Friday’s action features four key encounters, including St. Peter’s College hosting Mahanama College and the much-anticipated clash between Ananda College and St. Joseph’s College in Rajagiriya.
In Group Three, traditional rivals S. Thomas’ College and Thurstan College will meet in Ratmalana, while D.S. Senanayake College will face Kandy Sumangala at Havelock Park. Peter’s will be coming out strong against Mahanama at Bambalapitiya.
Defending champions Trinity College begin their title defence against Lumbini College at Pallekele, aiming to continue their dominance in school rugby on 25 April. Trinity is led by fourth-year Lion and sensational fullback/fly-half Shan Althaf.
Fazil Marija continues as their Head Coach of the outfit.
On the same day at Bogambara Stadium, Kingswood will host Zahira.
The opening week will conclude on 26 April with strong fixtures as Isipathana College meet St. Anthony’s College and Royal College take on Science College, promising a thrilling start to the 2026 season.
After Round 1, the top two teams from each group will move forward to the Super Round. Defending champions Trinity, Isipathana, Wesley, St. Peter’s, and Royal are tipped to move forward, with likely the only position up for grabs to be between S. Thomas’, Zahira, and Kingswood. (SJ)
23 April (Today)
Wesley vs. Prince of Wales at Havelock Park
Referee Tharindu Perera
24 April
D.S. Senanayake College vs. Kandy Sumangala at Havelock Park
Referee Aruna Shantha
St. Peter’s vs. Mahanama at Bambalapitiya
Referee Nalin Lasantha
Ananda vs. St. Joseph’s at Rajagiriya
Referee Raveen Alexander
Thurstan vs. S. Thomas’ College at Ratmalana
Referee Ishanka Abeykoon
25 April
Trinity vs. Lumbini College at Pallekele
Referee Nipuna Amaratunga
Kingswood vs. Zahira College at Bogambara
Referee Jeewaka Fonseka
26 April
Isipathana vs. St. Anthony’s at Havelock Park
Referee Raveen Alexander
Royal vs. Science at Royal Complex
Referee Gihan Yatawara
