The highly anticipated Club Rugby League for the 2025/2026 Season, organized by Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR), is set to commence on the 14th of this month. Nine top clubs will be vying for the coveted league prize in what promises to be a fiercely contested and thrilling campaign for Rugby fans across the island.
Title Contenders and Aspirants
The competition is poised for high drama, with all nine clubs setting their sights on the championship title. Based on last season’s performance, the top contenders are expected to lead the charge:
- Kandy Sports Club, the reigning champions, will be focused on maintaining their dominance in Sri Lankan Club Rugby and are considered strong favorites.
- Havelocks Sports Club, last year’s runners-up, will be determined to go one better this season and clinch the title.
- CR & FC, having won the competition in 2023/2024 before finishing 3rd last year, will be looking to regain the trophy they conceded to Kandy SC.
- Air Force Sports Club, who finished among the top four last season, will be aiming to challenge the leading contenders for the title.
The remaining clubs – CH & FC, Police Sports Club, Army Sports Club, Sri Lions, and Navy Sports Club – will all be looking to make a challenging and concerted effort to climb the ranks this year and create upsets against the traditional powerhouses.
- Sri Lanka Men’s team finish fourth in China
- Asia’s Best Set to Clash in Colombo at the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series Finale
- Tuskers Aim High at Home: Men Target Podium Finish, Women Seek to Step Up in Colombo
- Tuskers deliver solid wins; Women’s team hit hard by tough opponents
- Sri Lanka Men secure podium finish as Japan and Hong Kong China clinch series crowns
Key Opening Week Clashes
The new season will roar to life with four electrifying matchups scheduled for the opening week:
- Havelocks Sports Club vs Navy Sports Club
- Air Force Sports Club vs Army Sports Club
- Sri Lions vs CR & FC
- CH & FC vs Police Sports Club
Notably, Defending Champions Kandy Sports Club will have a Bye on Week 01 of the league schedule.
Foreign Players Confirmed to Boost Competition
In a major development aimed at raising the standard of domestic Rugby and increasing fan engagement, Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) has officially confirmed the inclusion of foreign national players for the 2025/2026 A Division season.
To balance financial considerations and short preparation time raised by the clubs, the SLR Executive Committee has approved a revised arrangement for this season: each A Division club will be permitted to include one (01) foreign player.
SLR emphasized that the original decision to allow two (02) foreign players per club will be fully implemented from the 2026/2027 season onwards, providing clubs with adequate time for planning and budgeting. This strategic move is seen as vital for attracting sponsors, enhancing local player development, and strengthening Sri Lanka’s international competitiveness in the long term.
Fans can look forward to a captivating season as local talent battles it out alongside international professionals, promising high-quality Rugby action from the opening whistle.
, is set to commence on the 14th of this month. Nine top clubs will be vying for the coveted league prize in what promises to be a fiercely contested and thrilling campaign for Rugby fans across the island.){kind=link}