The Maliban Inter‑Club Rugby League 2025/26 season proved to be one of the most exciting and transformative campaigns in recent years, breathing new life into the Sri Lankan club rugby scene. The introduction of foreign playersand the addition of a Grand Final at the end of the league stage brought renewed excitement to the competition, attracting fans back to the stadiums and creating a season full of thrilling moments.
Kandy SC’s Title Defence Falls Short
Defending champions Kandy Sports Club entered the season with hopes of retaining their crown and continuing their dominance in Sri Lanka’s club rugby circuit. However, things did not go according to plan for the hill capital outfit as the season progressed.
>>New Zealand U85kg Rugby Team to Tour Sri Lanka for 2nd consecutive year<<
Kandy SC suffered three defeats against CR & FC, including a dramatic loss in the league Grand Final played under the lights at Longden Place. The championship clash was a game for the ages, with CR & FC sealing victory with the final kick of the match, denying Kandy SC their title defence.
In addition to those defeats, Kandy SC were held to two draws by CH & FC, results that ultimately cost them valuable points in the league standings and the opportunity to host the Grand Final at Nittawela Rugby Stadium.
Clifford Cup Heartbreak for Kandy
Kandy SC’s hopes of silverware in the Clifford Cup 2026 also came to a heartbreaking end in the semi-finals against Havelock Sports Club.
The encounter was another nail-biter that went right down to the final moments. With the scores level late in the game, Samuel Maduwantha produced a moment of brilliance, slotting over a match-winning drop goal to give Havelock SC a famous 41-38 victory.
CR & FC Crowned League Champions
League champions CR & FC had an impressive campaign, finishing the season with just two defeats—a home loss to CH & FC and an away defeat to Havelock SC. Their consistency throughout the league stage allowed them to emerge as the top team and secure the championship.
>>Sanjaya Fernando elected new president of the SLSRFR<<
Now the Red Shirts will be aiming to complete a historic double as they prepare to face Havelock SC in the Clifford Cup Final, scheduled for March 7 under lights at Longden Place.
Havelock SC’s Opportunity for Silverware
Despite a few setbacks during the season, Havelock SC still have a golden opportunity to end their campaign on a high. The Park Club suffered defeats against Kandy SC and CR & FC during the league stage, while an unexpected draw against Sri Lanka Navy Sports Club in the opening week dented their chances of league glory.
However, their dramatic win over Kandy SC in the Clifford Cup semi-final has given them fresh momentum heading into the final.
Mixed Season for CH & FC
For CH & FC, the season was one of mixed fortunes. They managed to hold Kandy SC to two draws—one at Nittawela and the other at the Racecourse Stadium—but also endured heavy defeats against Havelock SC both home and away.
CH & FC also lost the return fixture against CR & FC 26-16, and their Clifford Cup campaign ended prematurely with a shock 34-28 defeat to Sri Lanka Air Force Sports Club in the quarter-finals.
Air Force SC Impress
Air Force SC had plenty to celebrate this season. They secured the Plate Championship in the league competition and produced one of the surprises of the knockout tournament by defeating CH & FC in the quarter-finals.
Their semi-final clash against CR & FC was highly competitive, with the league champions eventually prevailing 29-22 in a closely fought contest.
Teams such as Police SC, Sri Lanka Army, Navy SC, and Siri Lions SC showed encouraging signs throughout the season and will take plenty of positives heading into the next campaign.
One notable moment came in Week 1, when Navy SC managed to hold Havelock SC to a draw at Havelock Park, a result that highlighted the growing competitiveness of the league.
A Season to Remember
The Maliban Inter-Club Rugby League 2025/26 successfully reignited interest in Sri Lankan club rugby, bringing fans back to the grounds and delivering several unforgettable matches throughout the campaign.
Now, the stage is set for a fitting finale. Under the lights at Longden Place on Saturday evening, CR & FC and Havelock SC will battle it out in what promises to be a thrilling Clifford Cup Final, bringing an electrifying club rugby season to a memorable close.
