Kandy stars critical for medal prospects: Pavithra

• UUDS Tuskers to debut at SLR Sevens Series
• Eight Provincial Women’s teams in the fray

President of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) Pavithra Fernando says that efforts will be made to incorporate the Kandy SC rugby players to the national Sevens pool despite them being conspicuous by their absence at the upcoming SLR Sevens Series 2026.

He emphasised that without the cream of the nation’s rugby talent cooped up in the hills, it will be a forlorn hope to try for a medal at the Asian Games in Japan later this year.

He made this remark following a news briefing convened in Colombo on Monday (16), to officially launch the two legs of the BogoLiv UnionPay International SLR Sevens Series 2026, which marks the return of club sevens rugby following a four-year hiatus.

The game’s governing body has already relocated the Kandy leg of its Sevens Series due to the hill-capital club’s failure to confirm its participation in both legs of the competition.

The SLR had reportedly arrived at this decision citing reduced spectator interest and overall inadequate spectator involvement without the champion outfit’s participation at their Nittawela stronghold. 

They had been firm stating that contesting both legs as envisaged originally was compulsory and that they were unable to make exceptions for one team in particular as that would be unfair on other teams.

However, Fernando, a former national captain, maintained that it was unjust if players had to suffer the repercussions for what he described as ‘club politics.’

He stressed that therefore efforts will be made down the line to absorb the talent from the Nittawela-based club for the national cause but could not be drawn on how he intends to do that in view of the said club’s friction with the game’s controlling body.

Kandy SC had maintained that massive expenses incurred on their budget where they had reportedly spent Rs. 9 million for some eight trips to Colombo during the concluded League and Knockout tournaments plus injuries to key players had prompted them to insist on playing the Kandy leg. 

The first leg of the SLR Sevens Series will feature eight leading local club teams here with an international participant UUDS Tuskers from Dubai on Saturday (21) and Sunday (22) at Longden Place.

Pool A will consist of Havelocks SC, Police SC, and Army SC, Pool B made up of CH and FC, UUDS Tuskers and Siri Lions SC and Pool C featuring CR and FC, Air Force SC and Navy SC.

It was revealed that the organisers had originally hoped to stage both legs of the series with three international teams to provide stronger international competition and better preparation for Lankan players ahead of the forthcoming regional tournaments.

However, SLR officials stated that due to the raging conflict in the Middle East, two of the teams had been forced to forgo their participation despite earlier confirmation and travel arrangements.

The SLR however thanked the UUDS Tuskers for honouring their commitment and travelling to Colombo to compete in the tournament.

A significant new feature of this year’s edition is the introduction of eight Provincial Women’s teams which forms SLR’s wider initiative to revive and expand women’s rugby in Sri Lanka. 

The second leg of the SLR Sevens Series 2026 has been fixed for 28 and 29 March at Racecourse Grounds, Colombo.

PHOTO KRISHAN KARIYAWASAM

Source - The Morning