Sri Lanka Rugby announced today that an Emergency Council Meeting was convened today to address serious concerns relating to match official and player safety arising from last week’s A-Division League fixture between Kandy Sports Club and CH & FC.
Sri Lanka Rugby reiterates in the strongest possible terms that there is no place for hooliganism, intimidation, or any form of misconduct in the game of rugby. Such behaviour undermines player welfare, match official neutrality, and the integrity of the sport. Clubs are unequivocally responsible for the conduct of individuals within their venues, and decisive action must be taken to prevent any recurrence.
Following deliberations, the Emergency Council resolved the following:
- Mandatory Security Plan
Kandy Sports Club is required to submit a comprehensive match-day security plan detailing measures to safeguard match officials, visiting teams, and all participants at every future fixture.
2. Conditional Use of Nittawela
Subject to the review and formal acceptance of the security plan by the Tournament Committee, Kandy Sports Club will be permitted to continue hosting matches at Nittawela Stadium.
3. Strict Sanctions for Any Further Breach If Any
In the event that the safety of match officials or visiting teams is compromised in any future fixture, Sri Lanka Rugby will impose immediate sanctions, which may include:
- Playing the remainder of the season without spectators, or
- Hosting matches at an alternative venue where adequate protection and security standards can be assured.
Sri Lanka Rugby further expects Kandy Sports Club to identify and ban any individuals found to have engaged in conduct that threatens safety or brings the game into disrepute. Clubs must act decisively to safeguard rugby’s core values of respect, discipline, and fair play.
Sri Lanka Rugby remains committed to upholding World Rugby match-day safety obligations and ensuring that all competitions are conducted in a secure, professional, and respectful environment for players, officials, and supporters alike.
