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Puvanya
Puvanya
Oct 23 2026
25SLT-MOBITEL supported the inaugural Jetour Next XV Rugby League as its Powered By Partner, with the tournament concluding at the CR and FC Grounds in Colombo recently.
The three-week tournament featured 140 Under-19 school rugby players competing under a franchise-based model for the first time.
Organised by Sri Lanka Rugby in partnership with Eventistry Sports, the league featured four privately owned franchises: Colombo Aces, Galle Lions, Kandy Tuskers, and Jaffna Bulls.
The Jaffna Bulls defeated the Galle Lions 30–24 in the final to become the inaugural Next XV champions. Earlier, the Colombo Aces secured third place with a 29–24 victory over the Kandy Tuskers.
The tournament provided young players with exposure to experienced coaching teams and national selectors, supporting player development and potential future national selection.
SLT-MOBITEL also served as the Official Broadcast Partner, with SLT-MOBITEL PEOTV broadcasting all matches live in HD through the PEO SPORTS Channel on PEOTV, PEO MOBILE, and associated digital platforms.
The tournament introduced a franchise-based model to Sri Lankan rugby, combining private ownership, corporate partnerships, professional broadcasting, and an enhanced match-day experience.
Sri Lanka Rugby President Pavithra Fernando said: “The Next XV Rugby League has demonstrated the depth of talent we have in school rugby. What has been particularly encouraging is seeing these young players adapt to a new competitive environment, playing alongside teammates from different schools. This is an important platform for identifying and developing the next generation of players who will represent Sri Lanka, and the finals day provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate this milestone.”
Eventistry Sports Co-Founder Karin Wijeratne said: “When we set out to build The Next XV alongside Sri Lanka Rugby, the ambition was to create something that went beyond another rugby tournament. Three weeks in, we have seen competitive rugby, passionate franchise owners, committed partners and, most importantly, 140 young players embracing a completely new opportunity. This is exactly the kind of platform we want to build for Sri Lankan Sport. The first season is only the beginning, and we are excited about what The Next XV can become.”
SLT-MOBITEL officials also attended the finals, with Chief Marketing Officer Rohana Ellawala and Chief Business Officer – Consumer Business Chethana Attanayake greeting players during the team line-up. Ruchira Weerakoon, Chief Officer of SLT-MOBITEL PEOTV, presented bronze medals to the Colombo Aces.
