The United Arab Emirates held off a spirited surge from Sri Lanka to edge out a 29-21 victory in a tightly contested encounter at the Racecourse Grounds, Colombo, during the final week of the Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship 2025.
It was UAE who struck first. Gaining momentum through a powerful rolling maul, they advanced from the 22-meter line to within striking distance. After a few controlled phases, Bradley James bulldozed forward, and quick ball from scrum-half Andrew Semple to James Crossley allowed outside centre Jack Stapley to dive over for the opening try. Max Johnson added the extras. (SL 0-7 UAE)
Sri Lanka responded shortly after, capitalizing on an offside penalty. Skipper Tharinda Ratwatte stepped up and cleanly slotted the three points to get the hosts on the scoreboard. (SL 3-7 UAE)
However, the visitors hit back quickly. A scrappy lineout recovery by the tireless Bradley James set UAE up near the 5-meter line. They spread the ball wide and, after a few more close-quarter phases, James powered over to score the second try for visitors. (SL 3-12 UAE)
The hosts began to find their rhythm midway through the half. Off a strong scrum near halfway, Ratwatte broke the line, fending off Semple and drawing in the last defender before offloading to scrum-half Mohamed Rifan, who crossed the whitewash untouched. Ratwatte converted to close the gap. (SL 10-12 UAE)
Sri Lanka briefly took the lead when Johnson was penalized for a high tackle on Rifan. Ratwatte calmly slotted the penalty, edging his team ahead by a single point. (SL 13-12 UAE)
But the lead didn’t last long. Sri Lanka were penalized for holding on near the 45-meter line, and Max Johnson stepped up to land a booming long-range kick, reclaiming the lead for the UAE. (SL 13-15 UAE)
UAE extended their advantage just before halftime. From a 5-meter scrum, they spread the ball wide, and Johnson launched a clever grubber kick for winger Sakiusa Naisau to chase down and score in the corner. Johnson added the extras with a pinpoint conversion from the touchline. Sri Lanka managed to respond with a penalty from Ratwatte in the final play of the half to cut the deficit.
Half Time: Sri Lanka 16 (1T,1C,3P) – United Arab Emirates 22 (3T,2C,1P)
Sri Lanka came out firing after the break. The forwards carried with intent and drew in multiple defenders, earning a penalty. While many expected a kick at goal or to touch, Ratwatte spotted space in the corner and executed a perfectly weighted cross-kick. Hooker Shamika Kaushan raced in and grounded the ball brilliantly to bring Sri Lanka within a point. (SL 21-22 UAE)
With momentum firmly on their side, Sri Lanka began to dominate territory and possession. However, they missed crucial opportunities by choosing to keep the ball in play rather than take easy points on offer—turning down two kickable penalties that could have given them the lead.
UAE were reduced to 14 men when skipper Andrew Semple was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle following a review by the TMO. But the turning point came when Sri Lanka’s tighthead prop Vimukthi Gamage was yellow-carded for a high shot of his own, allowing UAE to regain parity in the scrum and milk multiple penalties.
In the 71st minute, UAE launched a decisive attack from a dominant scrum. With Sri Lanka under pressure from back-to-back infringements, fly-half Sam Bullock chipped over the defensive line. Jack Stapley chased down the kick and scored his second try, effectively sealing the game. Johnson made no mistake with the conversion. (SL 21-29 UAE)
Despite Sri Lanka’s efforts in the dying minutes, UAE’s defence held strong, securing a hard-fought win in the Asia Rugby Championship.
Full Time: Sri Lanka 21 (2T,1C,3P) – United Arab Emirates 29 (4T,3C,1P)
Points Breakdown
Sri Lanka 21
Mohomed Rifan 1T, Shamika Kaushan 1T, Tharinda Ratwatte 1C,3P
United Arab Emirates 29
Jack Stapley 2T, Sakiusa Naisau 1T, Bradley James 1T, Max Johnson 3C,1P.
