Three quarterfinals set to thrill while Peters pull out

By Shamseer Jaleel

The 2025 Dialog Schools Rugby Knockouts have reached the high-stakes quarter-final stage, promising rugby fans across the island an electrifying weekend of schoolboy rugby. With eight of the nation’s top rugby-playing schools entering the final stretch, the stage is set for some fierce battles on the field.

Zahira College has already secured their place in the semi-final round, receiving a walkover from St. Peter’s College. The inquiry in to an internal incident is ongoing. This unexpected development has granted Zahira valuable rest and preparation time as they await their opponent from the high-profile clash between Trinity College and S’Thomas College. 

The match is scheduled for 3 May at Havelock Park and is expected to draw a significant crowd, with both sides boasting a rich rugby heritage and strong recent form. With the other quarter finals not taking place all crowd in Colombo will move towards Havelock Park which will be a sell-out crowd. Trinity ran riot against Antonians by half a century plus score while Thomians overcoming home town rivals Science College. For record purposes both schools defeated their home town rivals in the pre quarter final encounter. The victor of this quarterfinal battle will face Zahira in what is anticipated to be a thrilling semi-final encounter.

Trinity, having shown consistent form with their three quarters and backs combining well will look to assert dominance with their power-packed forwards and explosive backs. Meanwhile, Thomians known for their structured play and heavy forwards will aim to counter with strategic kicking and set-piece mastery. Trinity beat Thomians in their last league encounter at Pallekelle 31/5.

The following day, 4 May will see another exciting double-header at Havelock Park. Royal College, perennial contenders and known for their strong pack and tactical discipline, will square off against D.S. Senanayake College. D.S., the underdogs in this matchup, will be looking to cause an upset with a fast-paced, fearless brand of rugby. The Reid Avenue boys have never gone down to D.S. in their rugby history but will need to fire all cylinders to get over the Borella outfit. D.S. beat Rajans while Royal overcame a spirited Kingswoodian outfit in their pre quarter final encounters.

In the other quarterfinal, defending Knockout champions, Isipathana College will face off against Wesley College in what is arguably the most anticipated match of the round. Isipathana, with their unmatched attacking flair and depth across the park, enter the contest as favourites. However, Wesley has shown glimpses of brilliance this season and could challenge the champions if they bring their A-game. Last knock out was won by Wesley College in 2018 by 22/15.

Winners from these two encounters will progress to the second semi-final, which is set to take place a week later. With the semi-finals shaping up to be Zahira vs. Trinity/S’Thomas and Isipathana/Wesley vs. Royal/D.S., fans can expect top-tier schoolboy rugby in the coming weeks.

As the Dialog Schools Rugby Knockouts progress, anticipation builds for what could be one of the most memorable finishes in recent years. Rugby lovers are urged not to miss the action as the island’s young stars battle for knockout supremacy.

3 May at Havelock Park

Trinity vs S’Thomas

Referee Gihan Yatawara

4 May

• At Havelock Park

Royal vs D.S. 

Referee Aruna Shantha

• At Royal Complex

Isipathana vs Wesley

Referee Ishanka Abeykoon