Inter-University Rugby; Unbeaten Kelani, J’pura, Colombo and giant killing Sabaragamuwa shine in quarterfinals

The quarterfinals of the Inter-University Rugby Championship – 2025, organized by Rajarata University as part of the Sri Lanka University Games (SLUG), unfolded recently at the Colombo University Rugby Grounds. Unbeaten sides from Kelaniya, J’pura, and Colombo outclassed their opponents, while the giant-killing Sabaragamuwa side earned a semifinal spot by shocking the other unbeaten contender, the University of Moratuwa.

University of Kelaniya vs University of Ruhuna

In the first quarterfinal, the University of Kelaniya team, who had a dream run in the group stage with three dominant victories, bulldozed the lads from the University of Ruhuna. The Kelaniya side, led by former Maliyadeva front-row player Gajitha Amarasinghe, entered the game with a clear plan—and executed it to perfection.

>>Inter-University Rugby; Unbeaten Kelaniya, J’pura, Colombo and Moratuwa sides are favorites<<

Without wasting much time, Kelaniya skipper Gajitha Amarasinghe crossed the try line after deceiving the defence with a well-executed move. The Kelani lads then scored three more tries and converted two. In response, Ruhuna could only manage a consolation try, trailing 24–05 at the break.

In the second half, Kelaniya picked up right where they left off, adding five more brilliant tries and successfully converting four of them. They demolished the Ruhuna side with a final score of 57–05. The two Sumangalians—Manuga Minthika (Wing) from Kandy and Malsha Amarasinghe (Flanker) from Panadura—scored two tries each, while Gajitha Amarasinghe, Shakith Perera, Binath Perera, and Malindu Widuranga each contributed a try to Kelaniya’s tally.

University of Moratuwa vs Sabaragamuwa University

In the second quarterfinal, the University of Moratuwa—historically the most successful team in the tournament—suffered a shocking defeat that has thrust the giant-killing Sabaragamuwa side into the limelight.

The game’s first try was scored by forward Priyanath Liyanage after a pick-and-drive sequence. Two more tries followed, scored by Priyanath Liyanage and Bimsara Heshan, both stemming from brilliant plays initiated by Sabaragamuwa skipper and former Maliyadeva College captain, Kaushalya Gunaweera. He also nailed the conversions, giving the Sabra Brigade a commanding 19–00 lead at halftime.

Though Moratuwa, known for its rugby legacy, did not go down without a fight, they could only manage two unconverted tries in the second half. Their defence tightened considerably, denying Sabaragamuwa further points, but their spirited comeback fell short of toppling the high-riding Sabra Brigade.

University of Sri Jayewardenepura vs Wayamba University

In the third quarterfinal, last year’s runners-up, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (J’pura), dominated Wayamba University. Led by former Royal College fly-half Raveen Shenuka, the J’pura side ran riot in the first half, scoring seven unanswered tries and converting three. By halftime, they led the game 41–00.

In the second half, J’pura added five more tries, converting one. Wayamba managed to score a consolation try, but the outcome had long been decided in a comprehensive win for J’pura.

University of Colombo vs University of Peradeniya

In another crucial encounter, defending champions University of Colombo faced off against the tournament’s second-most successful team, University of Peradeniya. Colombo, led by former Ananda College second-rower Avishka Induranga, powered past the hill-country team, scoring five tries and accumulating 29 points. Peradeniya managed to slot in a penalty in the first half to get on the scoreboard.

For the semifinals, the teams will travel to the hill capital, Kandy. The games will take place this Sunday, 27th of July 2025, at the iconic Nittawela Rugby Fortress.

Quarterfinals Results

 

University of Kelaniya             57 – 05 University of Ruhuna

 

Sabaragamuwa University      19 – 10 University of Moratuwa

 

University of Sri Ja’pura          68 – 05 Wayamba University

 

University of Colombo             29 – 03 University of Peradeniya

 

Semi Finals Fixtures

 

University of Colombo vs University of Kelaniya

 

University of Sri Ja’pura vs Sabaragamuwa University