Sri Lanka Storm into Top Tier with Dominant Win Over Malaysia
Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship Playoff
On a sun-drenched afternoon at Colombo’s historic Racecourse Grounds, the Sri Lanka Tuskers put on a commanding display of fast-paced, free-flowing rugby to defeat Malaysia 59–19 in the Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship Playoff. The win not only thrilled a packed home crowd but also secured Sri Lanka’s promotion back to the continent’s top division, marking a major milestone in their journey toward Rugby World Cup 2027 qualification.
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From the opening whistle, Sri Lanka signalled their intent. Playing with pace, precision, and purpose, the home side capitalised on early momentum, sending winger Janindu Dilshan over in the corner to open the scoring. It was a fitting start to a game that would showcase Sri Lanka’s dangerous backline and well-drilled forward pack.
Malaysia hit back with a powerful try from their talismanic No.8 Etonia Waqa, who would eventually notch a hat-trick, but they were unable to stem the tide of Sri Lankan attack. Dinal Ekanayake, the top try scorer in the recent domestic league, underlined his class with a sensational hat-trick, carving through the Malaysian defence with pace and flair. His clinical finishing earned him the Emirates Player of the Match accolade, presented by Asia Rugby President Qais Al Dhalai.
The Tuskers’ dominance was not limited to individual brilliance. Captain Nigel Ratwatte led with calm authority, while centre Akash Madhushankar and veteran Dhanushka Ranjan orchestrated play in midfield. The forwards, led by Thilina Bandara and debutant Navin Maharasinghe, provided a solid platform, consistently winning collisions and lineouts, and setting up the backs for clean attacking opportunities.
Despite a few spirited moments from the visitors, including Etonia’s third try in the second half, Malaysia struggled to cope with Sri Lanka’s tempo and structure. Their handling errors and ineffective kicking game allowed the hosts to maintain territorial dominance throughout the match.
Beyond the scoreboard, the match contributed to a wider impact through the “A Try, A Tree” initiative — a sustainability partnership between Asia Rugby and Sri Lankan environmental organisation Planet Protectors, launched in April 2024 at this very Racecourse Ground. Spearheaded by Nalin Da Silva, Chairperson of the Asia Rugby Sport & Environment Committee, the initiative pledges to plant one tree for every try scored in Asia Rugby tournaments. With 12 tries scored in this match alone, 12 new trees will now be planted — a lasting legacy of rugby’s role in protecting the planet and promoting environmental stewardship.
As the final whistle blew, confirming the 59–19 scoreline, jubilant fans erupted in celebration. It was more than a victory — it was a statement of intent.
Speaking post-match, a beaming Captain Nigel Ratwatte said:
“We came together just a week ago and produced this kind of performance. I couldn’t be prouder of the boys. The crowd was phenomenal — we felt their support every minute.”
With this win, Sri Lanka officially joins Asia’s elite in the Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship, alongside Hong Kong China, South Korea, and UAE. Their campaign for Sri Lanka begins on June 14 against South Korea at home, followed by away and home matches against Hong Kong China and the UAE, respectively.
The road to Australia 2027 is now clearer — but the work is far from over, as Sri Lanka joins three other top Asian teams in the battle for the coveted golden ticket: the Asia 1 direct spot to the Men’s Rugby World Cup and a chance to make history.
Watch the match on RugbyPass.tv
Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship
Friday 13th June: UAE x Hong Kong China
Saturday 14th June: Sri Lanka x South Korea
Saturday 21st June: Hong Kong China x Sri Lanka
Sunday 22nd June: South Korea x UAE
Friday 4th July: Sri Lanka x UAE
Saturday 5th July: South Korea x Hong Kong China
