Sri Lanka end 13th from 16 teams

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka won the Shield Championship at the Howard Hinton Rugby Sevens 2026 in France, defeating Seven Pyla Rugby 28-21 in a thrilling final played at Stade de la Vallée du Cher yesterday in France but ended in 13th position from among 16 teams.

Sri Lanka were down 7/21 at half time.

Sri Lanka crossed the line four times in an entertaining final, with the players showing great composure under pressure during the closing stages to protect their seven-point advantage. 

Seven Pyla Rugby fought back strongly but the Sri Lankan defence held firm to secure the title.

Sri Lanka fared poorly in France on the opening day where the standard was not high and lost to Mauritius, a country that is ranked 101 in world rugby.

In the end Sri Lanka were placed 13 out of 16 teams. Huge tasks for the new Sevens head coach when he signs up today.