Sri Lanka battle UAE to remain in Asia Rugby Top 4

File photo of match against Hong Kong

By Shamseer Jaleel 
Sri Lanka enter their must-win clash with the United Arab Emirates on July 4 at at the Racecourse Stadium, determined to keep Rugby World Cup 2027 qualification hopes alive. Already beaten by South Korea and Hong Kong, the hosts face a do-or-die battle in order to remain in AR Top 4 in 2026.
In their opener on Sri Lanka pushed South Korea all the way but fell short in the end 38/34 in a thrilling encounter in Colombo. 
Despite trailing early, Sri Lanka mounted a spirited comeback, narrowing a 15-point deficit through some cohesive rugby. Their performance under pressure earned plaudits, though late defensive lapses allowed South Korea to seal victory. The main reason for their fault was not clearing their kicks to touch and protecting their red zone which allowed the Koreans to touch down on three occasions in quick time.
Three weeks later in Hong Kong, Sri Lanka suffered a sobering 78/7 defeat at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground, conceding 12 tries. Hong Kong dominated every facet, from line-outs to backline flair, leading 33/7 at halftime and running rampant in the second half. The winner of Hong Kong vs South Korean game on July 5 will book the Rugby World Cup 2027 berth for Asia. The second placed team will play against African region second placed team in a home and away encounter.
With two losses from two, Sri Lanka sit bottom of the Top 4 table. A defeat to UAE would relegate them to a playoff against the Division 1 champions likely Malaysia.
Sri Lanka lost out many players such as Senura Perera, Lahiru Thialakarahne, Nigel Ratwatte and Kavindu Perera plus players such as Thanuja Jayaweera, Tharindhu Chathuranga, Adam Gauder are also injured but could comeback. Further a major loss has been some of the seniors keeping away from training such Srinath Sooriyabandara, Abdulla Faiz, Omalka Gunarathne, Janidu Fernando, Janidu Dilshan, Shehan Sliva and Thabeeth Hafeez. Due to these Sri Lanka will be almost fielding a second XV outfit for this vital encounter. Further according to reliable source players and local coaching staff not paid any money for these matches.
However, the UAE are beatable. Sri Lanka can leverage home advantage and passionate support but the main issue for the home team is that many leading players are nursing injuries while some others opting out after a long season.
Referee Craig Chan for Hong Kong China will officiate this game as the on field referee with support coming his way from Matt Rodden and Sonny Lee both from HKCR.
TMO will be Simon Dodd of UAE while the two Performance Reviewers will be Dilroy Fernando and Devi Rowlands.