Sri Lanka’s emphatic 59-19 victory over Malaysia has secured their place in the top-tier Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship 2025.
This prestigious tournament features top teams including Hong Kong, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.
The Tuskers are set to host South Korea on 14th of June and the UAE on 4th of July while their only away game will be against Hong Kong on 21st of June If Sri Lanka wins all three fixtures, they will qualify directly for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. However, finishing second would require them to go through an additional playoff round.
Realistically, Sri Lanka has a solid chance of beating South Korea and the UAE—provided they keep their key players injury-free and perform to their full potential. But despite the convincing win over Malaysia, expectations must be managed when facing Asian rugby heavyweights like Hong Kong.
The coming months offer valuable preparation time, including a promising fixture against New Zealand’s Under-85kg team. Against Malaysia, Sri Lanka fielded a youthful side brimming with talent, albeit short on international experience.
To challenge stronger sides, the team will need the leadership and experience of senior players like Omalka Gunaratne, Adeesha Weeratunga, and star playmaker Tarinda Ratwatte—widely considered one of Sri Lanka’s finest current players. Ratwatte has risen through the ranks from captaining Trinity College to becoming a key figure in the national setup.
Wing three-quarter Ekanayake earned the Man of the Match title with a stunning hat-trick, while center Danushka Ranjan looked revitalized, showing signs of returning to top form after his recent comeback.
Unlike previous squads dominated by experienced, heavier forwards, this team features a young, dynamic forward pack that emerged through the domestic club circuit. It’s time selectors and coaches continue placing their trust in these emerging talents.
Sri Lanka, a nation with a proud rugby history and legends like Hisham Abdeen, Chandrishan Perera, Nilfer Ibrahim, Nalaka Weerakkody, and Fazil Marija, now stands on the brink of a new chapter. For the first time in years, this youthful squad has a genuine shot at making history—defying the odds and reigniting the island’s rugby dreams.
