Experienced fly-half Nigel Ratwatte will lead the Sri Lanka Men’s Rugby Team in their upcoming Asia Rugby Men’s Championship 2025 playoff clash against Malaysia. The match is scheduled for 19th April (Saturday) evening at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo.
Ratwatte, who recently announced his retirement from the domestic club rugby circuit after guiding Kandy Sports Club to a historic double-crown victory, has been called up for national duty. He will also take on the added responsibility of captaining an injury-hit Tuskers squad.
Last year, Sri Lanka won the Asia Rugby Division 1 Men’s Championship 2024, earning them the opportunity to face Malaysia, who finished fourth in the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship 2024 behind Hong Kong, South Korea, and the UAE. The winner of Saturday’s clash will have a spot in the top-tier Asia Rugby Men’s Championship 2025.
Tarinda Ratwatte, the vice-captain and standout performer in Sri Lanka’s victories against India (45-07) and Kazakhstan (45-10) last year, was initially tipped to take over the captaincy following Suhiru Anthony’s retirement.
Anthony had led Sri Lanka during their successful 2024 home campaign, which marked the team’s strong return to the 15s format.
The selectors are expected to prune down the final match day squad of 25 members for Saturday’s clash on Thursday morning (17th April).
- Sri Lanka Rugby named strong 35 players squad for Rugby World Cup 2027 – Qualifiers
- Sanath Martis assumes the duties of Head Coach of Sri Lanka Rugby
- Sri Lanka Rugby Official Press Conference and Launch of the National Jersey
Jaco De Wit (United Arab Emirates) has been named as the referee for the upcoming playoff match, bringing a wealth of experience from regional and international competitions.
Assisting him will be two Assistant Referees: J.P. Clement (UAE) and Aymen Jrichi (Saudi Arabia), with Jrichi making history as the first Saudi Arabian official to be appointed for an Asia Rugby 15s international fixture.
Overseeing the match as the Television Match Official (TMO) will be Simon Dodds (UAE), whose proficiency in video analysis will play a vital role in maintaining fairness and precision during the game.
Watch Sri Lanka hosting Malaysia on 19th April (Saturday) evening LIVE on ThePapare 1 HD (Dialog Television Ch.126), Dialog ViU App and ThePapare.com from 4:00pm onwards.
 evening at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo.){kind=link}