Sri Lanka to host Malaysia invital encounter

Sri Lanka is just one game away from a major milestone in its rugby history, as the national team prepares to face Malaysia in a crucial Asia Rugby Championship playoff on April 19 at the Racecourse Grounds in Colombo.

A victory in this match will lift Sri Lanka into the Top Tier of the Asia Rugby Men’s Rankings for the first time in over a decade, placing them at No. 4 among Asian rugby nations — just behind giants like Hong Kong, South Korea, and the UAE. The winner will qualify for the prestigious Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship 2025, where a direct path to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia awaits.

“This match is more than just a game. It’s about Sri Lanka returning to its rightful place among Asia’s best,” said Asanga Seneviratne, Member Asia Rugby Executive Committee and Chairperson Asia Rugby Competitions at a packed press conference held at the Hilton Colombo on Wednesday, attended by Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) representatives and event partners.

With the full backing of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, SLR officially announced that the high-stakes encounter will kick off at 4 pm local time at the Racecourse International Rugby Stadium in Colombo 7. Both teams are expected to engage in intense preparations, with Malaysia arriving in the island soon and set to be based at Hilton Colombo, the official hospitality partner for the event.

The last time these two teams met was in 2019, where Malaysia edged out Sri Lanka 31-26 – a game in which Malaysia fielded three foreign players. This time, Sri Lanka is determined to turn the tables. “This playoff is a golden opportunity for Sri Lanka to write a new chapter in rugby. A win doesn’t just mean promotion – it keeps our World Cup dream alive,” said Prof. Shemal Fernando (Rear Admiral), the Director General of Sports and the Competent Authority for Sri Lanka Rugby.

The champions of the 2025 Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship will directly qualify for the Rugby World Cup 2027. The runner-up will also have a second chance – facing off against the second-placed team from the African Rugby Championship in a last-chance qualifier.

The Ministry of Sports and SLR will jointly host the official media conference in the coming days to highlight the significance of the clash and Sri Lanka’s roadmap to rugby glory.

For Sri Lanka Rugby, the stakes could not be higher. On April 19, all eyes will be on Colombo as the nation’s rugby warriors chase history, redemption, and a place among the continent’s elite.

Speaking at the press briefing were Hassan Sinhawansa, Coordinator of Sponsorships and Events for Sri Lanka Rugby, Group Captain (Retired) Nalin de Silva, the President-Elect of Sri Lanka Rugby, Rear Admiral Prof. Shemal Fernando, the Director General of Sports and Competent Authority for Sri Lanka Rugby, Asanga Seneviratne, Asia Rugby Executive Committee Member and Chairperson of Asia Rugby Competitions and Sri Lanka National Coach Sanath Martis.