Nowadays touch rugby has become a growing trend in Sri Lanka, and it continues to see more youth and social tournaments take place across the island. Hence, some interesting rugby actions unfolded in the hill capital as the Fazil Marija Challenge Trophy 2025 – Tag Rugby Tournament took place yesterday at the picturesque Nittawela Rugby Stadium. After some star-studded tag rugby games under a carnival atmosphere, the thundering shower had the final say of the day as finals were called off by declaring all semifinalist / finalists as joint champions.
The vibrant tournament was organised by the “Batch 2004” of the “Kingswood College Old Boys Association” in the same batch where the champion ruggerite, Fazil Marija, was educated. Fazil is widely regarded as a pioneer who changed the rugby landscape of Sri Lanka as a versatile player and champion coach during the late era. The school that introduced the fascinating game of rugby to Sri Lankan schools had a few bad seasons, and at present Kingswood Rugby is in a period of transformation. The tournament was organised with the prime objective of fundraising to escalate Kingswood Rugby to greater heights and regain the lost glory of their golden days.
There were four segments in the tournament: Under 20, Under 30, Under 40 and Over 40, where each segment was played in a round-robin format, which was followed by a knockout phase and the finals.
The tournament gave a valuable opportunity to old boys and players who have hung up their boots due to various reasons. The event was dazzled by the performances of the protagonist, Fazil Marija, and other players, the lights of Chanaka Chandimal, Anuruddha Wilwara, Radheesha Senevirathne, Buddhika Abeykoon, Rajith Sansoni, Thilina Weerasinghe, Risly Jabar, Alex Chanaka, Bandara Wakadapola, Amjad Bucks, Mohammad Afsal, Chula Susantha, Mahesh Senanayake, Kusal Rankothge and Eranda Weerakkody.
The organisers were privileged to have the official media partner, ThePapare.com (powered by Dialog), official clothing partner, Gordone Sri Lanka; official equipment and gear partner, Hemra Sports India (Raj International Exporters); official real estate partner, Prime Group; official merchandising partner, NEON GLOBAL; official sweets delight partner, Hilltop Delights; official accounting and advisory partner, Ekan Empire; official events partner, ICE YOUR SPICE; official medical partner, Muscleguard; and official corporate partners, Kingswood Tea Factory, ONE 100 Consultants, AT, Brand View Labels.
Though the event was interrupted with heavy showers, the tournament was highly successful, and it managed to build an intimate relationship between the school and past players. Further, it helped to secure the ties between ex-players who represented various schools after their schooling days. 
Fazil Marija Challenge Tag Rugby Tournament
Semi-Final Results
Under 20
Kingswood College – Batch 2025 10 – 05 Kingswood College – Batch 2026
Eagles (St. Anthony’s College) 15 – 00 Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College
Under 30
Highlanders vs Vikings — Scores Level after extra time & Vikings won by toss
Tigers vs Jaguars — Not played due to rain
Under 40
Ex Backs (Kingswood) VS 2007 Blues (Kingswood) – 05 – 00 Ex Backs won
Vidyartha VS Blue Eagles – 05 – 00 Vidyartha won
Over 40
SSCK Dark Horses vs KCK Millennium II — Not played due to rain
Old Havelocks vs KCK 2004 — Not played due to rain
