Dialog Axiata PLC, a prolific promoter of sports in the country, powered the school rugby season for the sixth consecutive year.
Following the success of last year, this season also kicked off with the Knockout Tournament, featuring 16 top schools competing for the prestigious President’s Trophy, with the season opener on 11 March.
The tournament delivered everything expected, with teams battling neck-and-neck to reign supreme.
The Dialog Schools Rugby Knockouts came to an end with Trinity College, Kandy registering a 58–26 victory over Royal College in the President’s Trophy final worked off at the Sugathadasa Stadium on 4 April.
The battle between Dharmaraja College and Lumbini College for the Premier Trophy at the Royal College Sports Complex grounds on 3 April saw Lumbini etch their name into history with a 17–10 win over Dharmaraja.
In the Chairman’s Trophy final played at the Royal College Sports Complex between Madina National School, Kandy and Maharagama Central College, the latter clinched the title with a 20–19 victory over Madina National School.
In the run-up to the President’s Trophy final, Royal beat S. Thomas’ College 25–5 in a lopsided quarter-final before defeating Isipathana in the semi-final 39–13 to reach the final.
Trinity College downed Zahira College 32–23 in their quarter-final fixture before beating a strong Wesley outfit 49–29 to book their berth in the final.
A highlight of this year’s Chairman’s Trophy final was the inspiring journey of Madina National School, whose rise to the final reflects the success of grassroots rugby development initiatives supported by Dialog.
With the Knockout Tournament now concluded, teams will regroup for the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2026, which will begin on 23 April.
The league will see over 2,500 schoolchildren from 90 schools competing for the coveted Dialog Schools Rugby League 2026 title.
As with the knockout, Dialog will ensure live coverage of the league tournament on Dialog Television via ThePapare TV (Channels 62 and 63) and ThePapare TV HD (Channels 126 and 127).
Viewers can also tune in through the Dialog Play mobile app and ThePapare.com, allowing students, alumni, parents, supporters, and rugby fans across Sri Lanka to enjoy uninterrupted and comprehensive coverage.