🏉 Rugby Playlist
Rugby was introduced to Sri Lanka during British colonial rule. Kingswood College in Kandy pioneered the sport in 1893, and the first inter-school rugby match took place in 1906 between Kingswood and Trinity College. The sport quickly spread, with other schools like Royal College and St. Peter’s College embracing rugby early on.
The Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU), established in 1907, is the national governing body for the sport.
The Clifford Cup, Sri Lanka’s premier club competition, began in 1911 and remains one of Asia’s oldest rugby tournaments. Schools rugby, with iconic matches like the Bradby Shield between Royal and Trinity Colleges, draws passionate crowds and is key to developing future talent.
In recent years, Sri Lanka has seen a significant rise in international rugby standings. The national team, known as the Tuskers, narrowly missed qualifying for the 2023 Rugby World Cup (qualifiers held in 2020), signaling they were on the verge of competing on rugby’s biggest stage.
Since then, their world rugby ranking has jumped steadily, moving from the early stages of Asian rugby to a position of near dominance. Sri Lanka has consistently been one of the strongest teams in Asia, with only a few countries like Hong Kong, Japan, and Malaysia presenting stiff competition.
In 2024, Sri Lanka won the Asia Rugby Division 1 Championship and secured their spot in the 2025 Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship, bringing them closer than ever to World Cup qualification for 2027.
The “Get Into Rugby” program has expanded the sport’s reach, introducing thousands of children to rugby across the country, particularly in areas previously affected by conflict.
Sri Lanka’s reinstatement to World Rugby in late 2023, following governance reforms, has paved the way for better international engagement and sponsorship.
Strong corporate sponsorships have boosted rugby’s infrastructure and visibility in Sri Lanka, with major sponsors supporting national teams and domestic competitions.
With a rich heritage, a passionate community, and growing international success, Sri Lankan rugby is positioned for continued growth and potential future World Cup appearances.
