‘The Next XV’: SLR charts new pathway towards 2035 World Cup

Saturday, 22 August 2026 03:35 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: Dinuk de S. Wijeratne (Galle Lions), Thehan Wijemanne (Colombo Aces), Pavithra Fernando (SLR President), Tharanga Gunasekera (Kandy Tuskers) and Tharinda Ratwatte (Jaffna Bulls)

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) launched a new pathway towards the 2035 World Cup with the unveiling of four franchise teams for next month’s Junior Under-19 outfits in preparation for the Dec. 2026 Junior Asiad, which will be staged in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Rugby President Pavithra Fernando said ‘The Next XV’ Rugby League is a major new initiative aimed at building a structured pathway for the country’s most promising young players and laying the foundation for the long-term “Road to Rugby World Cup 2035” programme.

Speaking at the official launch press conference, Fernando said ‘The Next XV’ is far more than a tournament, with 140 of Sri Lanka’s leading Under-19 players entering a professionally managed competition where their performances, fitness, technical ability, discipline and character will be assessed over a sustained period.

The players will be distributed among four franchise teams through a structured draft, ensuring competitive balance and giving every player a genuine opportunity to perform. Selection for the national Under-19 pathway will be based on performance, commitment, discipline, fitness and teamwork rather than reputation, school or past achievements.

Fernando stressed that the immediate target is success at the Asia Rugby Under-19 Championship in Colombo during December 2026, with qualification for the World Rugby Under-20 Championship as the key objective. He added that the wider vision is to retain talented players after school and develop them towards senior international rugby.

He also highlighted player welfare and education, while calling for unity beyond school, province or background. “’The Next XV’ represents that commitment. Today, we are not merely launching a competition. We are creating opportunities. We are building a pathway,” Fernando said, underlining the ambition to create a stronger future for Sri Lankan rugby.