One of Sri Lanka’s rugby prides, Siri Lions Sports Club etched its name in the annals of rugby history by delivering a flawless performance at the Dubai Rugby Sevens International Men’s Open Championship 2025, winning the cup title for the second consecutive year. After a dominating run in the preliminary round and semifinals, the club displayed a high-paced and exquisite style of rugby to outclass high-riding Wyvern Harlequins of England by 45 – 07 points last weekend. With this remarkable achievement, the Siri Lions Sports Club made a strong statement at the Emirates Dubai 7s, becoming the first-ever Asian team to clinch the cup championship twice in its history, which spans over five decades.
The champion side was led by the seasoned Fiji national and Police SC rugby 7’s player, Suliano Volivoli, while Corne Boland, a South African player from Eastern Cape, acted as the co-vice captain. By adding some Sri Lankan flavour to the side, the national flanker/2nd row player, Nizran Nillar, played a crucial role in this magnificent victory both as a player and the other co-vice captain of the side. Further, the towering centre three-quarter who has represented the Tongan and USA sides, Simi Moala, added some further depth to the Siri Lions side. Some top talents that were picked from around the world (five South Africans, four Fijians, one Tongan and one French player) featured in the Siri Lions outfit, which gave the basis for reaching the greater heights of rugby. This fabulous side was trained under one of the best in the field, Simi Moala, who also featured as a player.
Siri Lions, who competed in the International Men’s Open category, played against some top-notch clubs and national teams who are regularly featured in international tournaments from South Africa, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, and Hong Kong. China, Wales, Argentina, Malta, Kazakhstan and Italy. This level of competition was unprecedented for a Sri Lankan side, highlighting their remarkable progress. The following clubs were in the fray for the title.
Wonder 7’s (France), Hong Kong China Dragons, King’s College Rugby Club (London-based club), CQ Dingoes (the premier 7’s team in Central Queensland, Australia), OG (Old Grovians) 7’s, the Yorkshire-based rugby 7’s side, Godfather’s Rugby (England-based club), Wyvern Harlequins (the London-based rugby club affiliated to the famous Harlequins rugby union club), Butcher 7s (the elite Welsh Invitational Rugby 7s side), SAS Rugby 7s (South African rugby side), Speranza 22 Rugby 7s (Argentina), ASD Cavaliers RFC (Italy), Malta National Rugby 7’s side, Kazakhstan National Rugby 7’s side
The Siri Lions Rugby outfit delivered a stellar performance in the preliminary round by featuring in Group A and ended the stage as unbeaten group tops by earning their ticket in the semifinals. In the opener, Siri Lions defeated the SAS Rugby side with five unanswered tries (won as 31- 00). Then the Lions faced the challenge from the Malta national 7s side and ended the game with five unanswered tries again (won by 33 – 00). Thirdly, the Lions easily crossed the hurdle of Godfather’s Rugby by 29 – 00 points. During the final preliminary contest, Siri Lions posted a thumping victory over the Yorkshire-based Old Grovians 7s side with 29 – 07 points.
During the Cup semi-final, the Siri Lions again faced the Old Grovians 7s outfit, but this time the Englishmen gave a better fight to the high-riding Lions by giving some panic moments after a few walks in the park. But the spirited Siri Lions resisted well and managed to edge out the Old Grovians 7s outfit with a margin of a converted try (26 – 19).
During the much-awaited final battle in the Dubai 7’s International Men’s Open Rugby Championship, Siri Lions dominated the field from the opening whistle until the final cheer. The final saw a rain of tries as the Sri Lanka-based invitational side went on to clinch the coveted championship with a magnificent 45 – 07 victory over Wyvern Harlequins. This flawless display throughout the tournament brought pride not only to Sri Lanka but also to the international rugby community, raising the national flag alongside Fiji, France, Tonga, and South Africa in a celebration of sport.
The founder and International ExCom member of Sri Lions Sports Club, Dr Kelum Sujith Perera, commented on this title defence mission “Our players have shown that Sri Lanka can compete and win at the highest international level. This victory is not just for the team but for the entire nation. The discipline, teamwork, and strategy displayed by our players have made Sri Lanka proud on the world stage.”
After winning back-to-back titles, the Siri Lions have made a strong statement to the global rugby fraternity by announcing their arrival and their capabilities on the global stage of rugby. Further, by blending international expertise with local skill, the Sri Lions have created a legacy that inspires the Sri Lankan rugby communities, specially the young players.
The victorious Siri Lions Outfit: Suliano Volivoli (Hooker), Corne Boland (Co-vice captain, Scrum-half), Nizran Nillar (Prop), Simone Moala (Coach, Prop), Tora Patterson (Prop), Noegh Hayward (Utility Forward/ Center), Setefano Tokalau (Scrum-half), Nikani Boginisoko (Rover/ Wing), Austin Prins (First Receiver/ Center), Tasrio Mynhardt (Fly-half, Wing), Paul Eric Pilon (Wing), Christian Pretorius (Utility Forward), Dileepa Pieris (Team Manager), Kamil Hadji (Assistant Team manager), Ivan Stephad (Physio)
