Stage set for Asian Rugby Sevens in Colombo

General Manager Marketing of Maliban Biscuits Milinda Weerasinghe (left) presents the Platinum sponsorship of the Colombo Asia Rugby Sevens to Sri Lanka Rugby’s (Point of Contact) Nalin de Silva (right) in the presence of Sports Minister Sunil Gamage

By Shamseer Jaleel

After an eight-year gap top-class rugby action returns to Sri Lanka as the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2025 makes its much-anticipated kick off in Colombo in the form of the second leg of the tournament on October 18 and 19 at the Race Course Ground.

This year’s event marks a special moment for Sri Lankan rugby fans, as it brings together 12 men’s and an equal number of women’s outfits across Asia, reigniting the island’s proud Sevens tradition. 

The last time Colombo hosted a leg of the Asian Sevens was in 2017, making this return a significant milestone for the local rugby fraternity.

The men’s championship will feature heavyweights Japan, Hong Kong China, China, Malaysia, Singapore, UAE, Thailand, Philippines, Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei, South Korea, and Sri Lanka. These teams will compete not only for the title but also for crucial points on the road to global qualification.

The women’s segment will have an equally exciting lineup with Japan, Hong Kong China, China, Malaysia, Singapore, UAE, Thailand, Philippines, India, Kazakhstan, Indonesia and Sri Lanka in the fray.

The Asian Sevens Series, launched in 2009, has become one of the premier rugby events in the region. 

Beyond competition, the series carries added significance as it serves as a qualification pathway for the Rugby Sevens World Cup and Olympic Qualification as well.

At the end of the first leg, Japan lead the men’s standings with China and Hong Kong China following closely behind while Sri Lanka sits in the fourth position.

In the women’s category, Hong Kong China, Japan and China are expected to maintain their dominance.

The event will be organized under the newly appointed Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) committee headed led by its President Pavithra Fernando whose administration will have to overcome months of challenges to ensure Sri Lanka’s reinstatement in regional rugby.