Club season to kick off from November 22
Sri Lanka’s elite domestic club rugby season for 2024-2025 has been slated to kick off on November 22, according to official sources. The upcoming season will feature nine clubs, including newcomers Sri Lions Sports Club. However, their addition has sparked protests from several established clubs, it is learnt.
Sri Lions SC, the Division ‘B’ champions from last season, has been officially approved to compete in the top division. Yet, their inclusion does not come without controversy. Many clubs are unhappy with their entry, claiming that it undermines the integrity of the league. Notably, CR&FC, Sri Lanka Air Force and Sri Lanka Police have voiced strong opposition against Sri Lions SC joining the top league, citing concerns over fairness of their inclusion.
Interestingly, CH&FC has welcomed the newcomer and has shown no objections to their participation. This division among clubs, raises questions about the future of the league and balance of power within.
The nine teams participating in Division ‘A’ this season are CR&FC, Kandy SC, Havelock SC, CH&FC, Police SC, Air Force SC, Army SC, Navy SC and Sri Lions SC.
CR&FC are the defending League champion and were semi-finalist in the Clifford Cup. Well known as the ‘Red Shirts’, who host their games at Longden Place, CR&FC will be led by Gemunu Chetiya, as they aim to defend their title against a competitive field.
Kandy SC, who finished as League runners-up, did not compete in the Clifford Cup. The former titles holders based at Nittawela, will be captained Srinath Sooriyabandara. Havelock SC, who were placed third in the League, were runners-up in the Clifford Cup. Based at Havelock Park, they are captained by Faiz Abdullah this season.
CH&FC, who secured fourth place in the League and reached the semi-finals of the Clifford Cup, will come under the captaincy of Janindu Dilshan. Police SC, who secured the Plate title in the League, emerged Clifford Cup champion, will be led by Mohan Wimalaratne.
Air Force SC, who finished sixth in the League and were quarter-finalists in the Clifford Cup, will be led captain Rumesh Wasantha, aiming to improve from last season’s performance. Army SC ended last season in seventh place and were also the Clifford Cup quarter-finalists. Based at the Army grounds in Panagoda, they are yet to confirm the captain.
Navy SC, finishing eighth in the League and Clifford Cup quarter-finalists, will be steered by Stephan Gregory, as they aim to climb the rankings this season. Newcomers Sri Lions SC, will host their games at the Ananda College rugby ground in Rajagiriya, as Kevin Dixon leads them in the debut seson.
As the season approaches, the tension surrounding Sri Lions’ participation looms large. All eyes will be on the pitch to see if the new club can successfully navigate the challenges ahead and establish itself among the elite clubs in local rugby.