Colombo is set to take centre stage in Asian rugby this weekend, October 17 and 18, as the Racecourse International Stadium hosts the decisive second leg of the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2026. With continental honours and final series standings at stake, 24 national teams across the men’s and women’s divisions will battle for supremacy following an action-packed opening leg in Suzhou, China.
Suzhou Sets the Stage for Colombo Showdown
The opening leg, held in Suzhou on August 29 and 30, saw Hong Kong China and Japan emerge as champions in their respective divisions.
Hong Kong China claimed the men’s title with an unbeaten run, culminating in a commanding 19–7 victory over Japan in the Cup Final. Hosts China secured third place after edging South Korea 24–19 in the bronze-medal match.
In the women’s competition, Japan proved too strong for the opposition, defeating hosts China 24–7 in the Cup Final to secure the opening-leg crown. Thailand completed the podium after overcoming Hong Kong China in extra time to claim third place.
While the opening leg established the early leaders, the final round in Colombo offers the remaining contenders one last opportunity to challenge for the overall series titles.
A Legend’s Final Bow: Sooriyabandara Targets a Dream Farewell
For Sri Lankan rugby, the Colombo leg carries a special significance as veteran scrum-half Srinath Sooriyabandara prepares for his final international appearance, bringing an illustrious career spanning more than 15 years to a close.
Affectionately known as “Soori”, the experienced playmaker has been a central figure in Sri Lankan rugby, earning admiration for his skill, leadership and commitment to the national cause. His final appearance in front of the home crowd at Racecourse adds an emotional dimension to an already high-stakes weekend.
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The Sri Lankan men will be eager to give their departing teammate a fitting send-off while improving on their seventh-place finish in Suzhou. The Tuskers ended their opening-leg campaign on a positive note with a convincing 35–5 victory over Malaysia, providing a platform to build on as they return home.
Drawn in Group A alongside Hong Kong China, the UAE and India, Sri Lanka faces a demanding group-stage challenge. Strong performances on home soil will be crucial if the hosts are to progress into the Cup knockout rounds and finish the series on a high.
With Sooriyabandara’s farewell providing an added source of motivation, the home side will be determined to make the most of the occasion.
Sri Lanka Women Look to Make Their Mark at Home
The Sri Lankan women will also be aiming to deliver a strong performance in front of their home supporters as they take on some of Asia’s leading sevens nations.
The opening leg in Suzhou provided valuable exposure against quality opposition, and the Colombo tournament offers another opportunity for the hosts to test their progress, compete for a higher finish and gain momentum heading into the next phase of their development.
Sandika Hemakumari has been entrusted with the captaincy for the second leg, leading a 12-member squad that combines experience with attacking and defensive options. Former leg captain Charani Liyanage joins Kanchana Deneththi, Hakashini Krishnakumara and Nipuni Rasanjalee among the players expected to play key roles in the campaign.
Sri Lanka has been drawn in Group E alongside defending leg champions Japan’s fellow podium contenders China, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
The hosts will need to produce consistent performances across the group stage to challenge for a place in Sunday’s Cup quarterfinals. With home support behind them, the Sri Lankan women will be keen to turn the Colombo leg into a memorable campaign.
Groups for the Colombo Leg
Men’s Division
- Group A:Hong Kong China, UAE, Sri Lanka, India
- Group B:Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Uzbekistan
- Group C:China, Korea, Singapore, Kazakhstan
Women’s Division
- Group D:Japan, India, UAE, Iran
- Group E:China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka
- Group F:Thailand, Hong Kong China, Malaysia, Singapore
Format and the Road to Sunday’s Knockouts
With 12 teams competing in each division, Saturday’s group-stage matches will be critical in determining the knockout-round line-up.
The top two teams from each group, together with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the Cup quarterfinals on Sunday. The remaining four teams in each division will compete in classification matches to determine their final positions.
Every match will carry significant weight, with teams seeking not only tournament honours but also valuable points that could shape the final series standings.
All to Play for in Colombo
Hong Kong China’s men and Japan’s women arrive in Colombo as the leaders following their respective triumphs in Suzhou. However, the second leg will determine the final standings, leaving the door open for challengers to close the gap and contest the overall series crowns.
For the visiting teams, Colombo represents the final opportunity to turn a promising season into a championship-winning campaign. For Sri Lanka, the stakes are equally compelling: the chance to deliver in front of home supporters, improve on the opening-leg results and give Sooriyabandara a memorable farewell.
The stage is set for two days of fast-paced action, fierce competition and high-stakes rugby sevens at Racecourse.
Live coverage: Fans can follow the action on ThePapare 1 HD (Dialog TV Channel 126), the Dialog Play app and ThePapare.com, with coverage scheduled to begin at 7.45 a.m. on Saturday.
