Sri Lanka announces national rugby coaching squads ahead of NZ U85kg series

Sri Lanka Rugby has unveiled its full slate of national coaching teams for 2026, covering both 15s and 7s formats for men and women.

The national teams’ schedule includes the Men’s XVs hosting New Zealand U85kg ahead of their participation in the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship XVs. In the 7s format, the squads are set to compete in the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series (two legs, including the second leg in Colombo), while participation in the Asian Games in Japan is yet to be confirmed.

2026 National Coaching Teams

Dushantha Lewke, former national team captain, has been appointed Head Coach of the Men’s XVs. Supporting him, Henry Terrance will serve as Forwards Coach, while Lasintha de Costa, a former Isipathana player and CR & FC coach, will act as Backs Coach. Lewke previously served as Forwards Coach during the Asia Rugby Men’s Championships and domestically led CR & FC to a historic League and Clifford Cup “Double Crown” this season.

For the Women’s national side, including both 7s and 15s, Leonard de Zilwa has been named Head Coach. A former Peterite and national player in both formats, he previously served as Assistant Coach for the Men’s 7s team and also contributed to the Nepal national rugby programme.

On the Sevens side, Shamly Nawaz, a former Isipathana, Sri Lanka, and CR & FC player, will continue as Head Coach. Nawaz has extensive experience, having coached Sri Lanka’s Under-20 Sevens teams for both boys and girls, as well as the Women’s national team. Under his guidance, the Sri Lankan men returned to the top tier of Asian 7s rugby last season.

This comprehensive coaching line-up sets the stage for Sri Lanka’s national teams to compete strongly across all formats in 2026.