Sri Lanka to face South Korea in circular Asia Rugby Top 4 opener

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 00:54 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka will begin their Asia Rugby Top 4 for 2025 campaign with a challenging fixture against South Korea on 13 June at the Racecourse Grounds in Colombo.

Kick-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. in what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two ambitious rugby nations which is assured to attract a huge crowd.

This marks Sri Lanka’s return to the Asia Rugby Top 4 after their recent promotion, having defeated Malaysia in a decisive playoff earlier this year. The stakes are high, with the winner of the Top 4 tournament earning direct qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Under the guidance of their New Zealander and Head Coach Rodney Gibbs who has been with the team for the last two weeks, Sri Lanka has been undergoing intense preparation for these vital encounters. The coaching panel also includes former national skipper Dushantha Lewke, who manages the forwards, and Lasintha de Costa, who handles the three quarters. Hard working Rohan Chinthaka is the Team Manager of the outfit for Sri Lanka.

Rugby Head Inthi Marikar has been hard at work in putting the structures in place for a professional campaign. With training camps, strategic planning, and fitness standards raised, the team is shaping up to meet the physical and tactical demands of Tier 1 Asian competition.

Sri Lanka’s squad features a blend of seasoned campaigners and promising young players. Their physicality and flair in open play have been key strengths, but consistency and discipline will be crucial in this higher tier.

South Korea, a regular in the Top 4, will be no easy opponent. Their speed and structured play are well known across Asia, and they arrive with strong credentials.

After this home game, Sri Lanka will travel to Hong Kong for their second match. They will conclude the tournament with another home fixture, this time against the UAE.

With the Top 4 offering a direct route to the 2027 World Cup, the pressure is immense. The runner-up will still have a second chance via a playoff against Africa’s second-best team. For Sri Lanka, the mission is clear: win at home, stay competitive away, and keep the World Cup dream alive.

Former Trinity, Kandy Sports Club play maker Tarinda Ratwatte is tipped to lead the outfit.

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