The second leg of the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2025 is set to take place in Colombo this weekend, on the 18th and 19th of October, at the Racecourse Stadium. A total of 24 teams — across both men’s and women’s divisions — will battle it out for the series title and a coveted spot o in the new World Rugby HSBC SVNS Division 3.
Sri Lanka Men Aim for a Strong Home Finish
After an impressive showing in the opening leg in Hangzhou, China, the Sri Lanka Men’s Sevens team narrowly missed out on a third-place finish, falling to China 22–17 in the bronze final and settling for fourth. As fate would have it, they will meet China again in the group stage in Colombo, setting up a chance for redemption in front of their home supporters.
Kavindu Perera will once again lead a balanced Sri Lankan side, bolstered by the return of several experienced campaigners. Former national skipper Srinath Sooriyabandara, along with Heshan Jansen and Diluksha Dange, bring valuable experience and composure to the lineup. The inclusions of Yehan Bulathsinghalage, Dharshana Dabare, and Kalana Chamuditha add further balance and depth as Sri Lanka aim for a top-three finish on home soil.
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Sri Lanka have been drawn in Group C alongside China, Uzbekistan, and Singapore.
They will open their campaign against Uzbekistan at 12:40 PM on Saturday, followed by Singapore at 5:04 PM, and the much-anticipated clash with China at 9:50 PM to wrap up Day 1.
Men’s Groups
- Group A:Hong Kong China, Malaysia, Korea, Philippines
- Group B:Japan, UAE, Chinese Taipei, Thailand
- Group C:China, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Singapore
The top three teams from each group, along with the best second-placed team, will advance to the Cup semi-finals on Sunday.
Sri Lanka Women Target Improvement
The Sri Lanka Women’s Sevens side, who finished 9th in the opening leg, will look to make the most of their home advantage to improve their overall series standing. They have been drawn in a challenging Group F alongside Hong Kong China, Thailand, and Singapore.
Their campaign begins against Thailand at 10:28 AM, followed by Hong Kong China at 3:14 PM, before wrapping up Day 1 against Singapore at 7:16 PM.
Women’s Groups
- Group D:Japan, India, UAE, Indonesia
- Group E:China, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Philippines
- Group F:Hong Kong China, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Singapore
Fans can catch all the action live on ThePapare 1 HD (Dialog TV Ch. 126), Dialog ViU App, and ThePapare.com from 8:45 AM onwards on Saturday.
