UAE start as favourites in Asia Rugby Top 4 clash Injury-hit Lanka face Herculean task

 The UAE national rugby team arrived in Colombo yesterday 

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka face an important showdown today when they host the United Arab Emirates at the Racecourse Ground in Colombo for the Asia Rugby Top 4 encounter.Kick-off is set for 4.00 p.m.

Sri Lanka enter a must-win fixture to keep their Asia Rugby Top 4 aspirations alive. Having fallen narrowly to South Korea and suffered a heavy defeat in Hong Kong, Sri Lanka must secure victory to avoid a relegation play-off against the Division 1 champions later this year for the 2026 berth.

Sri Lanka’s national selectors named a 25-man squad combining experienced campaigners with dynamic newcomers. In the front row, veteran prop Malitha Wijesundera brings scrummaging prowess, while Shamika Kaushan’s versatility makes him a potent force both in defence and open field. Vimukti Gamage provides additional muscle and mobility in the loose.

Naveen Marasinghe and Thilina Bandara will be the line-out jumpers of the outfit. Returning to the setup is Nizran Nillar, the former Zahira and Peterite standout, who missed the South Korea and Hong Kong fixtures but now earns a starting berth. His power and break-down acumen will bolster a forward pack missing several senior campaigners. He was dropped out for the earlier two encounters which caught all in surprise.

At number 8, CR and FC skipper Lasindu Karunathilake anchors the pack as the leader. Scrum-half duties fall to Mohamed Rifan the nippy former Science and Havelock half back in the absence of Heshan Jensen. Thenuka Nanayakkara will be the fly half with captain Tarinda Ratwatte and Akash Madushanka spearheading the back-line  attack as the two centres.

Sri Lanka’s pace comes courtesy of wingers Dinal Ekanayake and Pasindu Bandara, both renowned for finishing prowess. Mursheed Doray carries the full-back mantle, combining aerial security with counter-attack threat. 

Backup players such as Chatura Soysa, Shaahid Zumri, and Amjad  Faumy complete a bench capable of shifting momentum late in the contest. Sadly more than 10 players are unavailable due to injuries with the majority being forwards.

The  UAE national team, arrived in Colombo yesterday. Their structured forward play and direct running lines pose a stern test in Colombo.

Sri Lanka’s recent performances underline the stakes. In their 38/34 loss to South Korea, fought back from a 15-point deficit to challenge until the final whistle, demonstrating heart and skill. Conversely, the 78/7 defeat in Hong Kong exposed defensive frailties and turnover vulnerabilities that must be addressed. 

Meanwhile, UAE edged out South Korea and lost to Hong Kong and are placed number 3 at present.

A victory not only guarantees Colombo bragging rights but also secures Sri Lanka’s place in the Top 4 for the 2026 season. Conversely, defeat forces a nerve-wracking relegation decider likely against Malaysia jeopardising their standing among Asia’s elite.

SQUADS 

Sri Lanka: Malitha Wijesundara , Shamika Kaushan , Vimukthi Gamage,  Naveen Marasinghe, Thilina Bandara, Nizran Nillar, Tharindu Chathuranga, Lasindu Karunathilake (vice-captain), Mohamed Rifan , Thenuka Nanayakkara, Dinal Ekanayake, Tarinda Ratwatte (captain), Akash Madusanka, Pasindu Bandara, Adam  Gauder , Amjad Faumy, Dushmantha Priyadarshana, Pulasthi Dasanayak,  Chathura Soysa, Nirosh Perera, Primesh Dhanushka , Shaahid Zumri and Musheed Doray

UAE: Gerard Pieterse, Sam Bullock, Toby Oakeley,  Ethan Matthews, Niko Volavola , Mohammad Ali, James Crossley, Andrew Semple, Jack Stapley, Max Johnson, Brad Janes, Liam Caldwell, Matt Mills, Jaen Bote, Chris McKee, Moeneeb Galant, Riaan Barnard, Pieter Killian, Lukas Waddington, Markus Guerin, Michael Sejean, Sakiusa Naisau, Emosi Vecenaua and Epeli Davetawalu 

Referee: Craig Chan