• Body insists will not compromise on integrity 
• Kandy 7s leg relocated to Colombo 

Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) issuing a media release stated that it has relocated the Kandy leg of the SLR Sevens Series 2026 which was originally slated to be played at Nittawela grounds, to Colombo, in view of the hill-capital club’s failure to confirm its participation in both legs of the Series.

The game’s domestic controlling body has pointed out that they had opted for this move as hosting the tournament in Kandy sans the involvement of the home team would significantly restrict spectator interest and overall spectator engagement.

The SLR has stated that therefore the series will now proceed as originally scheduled without the participation of the champion outfit from the hill-capital.

When contacted manager of Kandy SC rugby team Kapila Silva said that heavy expenses on their budgetary allocations for the club rugby season coupled with injuries to key players had forced them to insist on playing only the Kandy leg.

“We had gone to Colombo no less than nine times in the concluded club tournaments,” the former centre opined.

“Our costs ballooned as a result and we decided to therefore allow the players to feature only in the Kandy leg and also several of our players are nursing injuries as well. However, if they don’t allow our players to play in the Colombo leg then so be it. We will not budge from our stance.”

He added that his club had released their players for similar events during last year when most Colombo clubs had shunned participating in such competitions and questioned the rationale in barring their players from featuring in the Colombo leg.

Asked whether Kandy would have any second thoughts in releasing their players for the national 15s pool ahead of the Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship in June-July, Silva said if their players are selected they would not bar them from preparing for the said tournament.     

The governing body also noted in its media release that this year’s Sevens Series has been structured to elevate the standard of competition, including the participation of an international club team from Dubai.

The SLR has further observed that therefore it is extremely unfortunate that players representing Kandy SC will stand to miss the valuable opportunity to compete against international opposition.

The SLR has added in its media statement that Kandy SC had sought permission to compete only in the Kandy leg of the Series.

However, they have stated that this request could not be accommodated as it could have compromised the integrity and competitive balance of the tournament. 

The SLR explained that the rules and participation requirements apply equally to all clubs, and all teams are required to participate in both legs of the Series or not participate at all.

They had also stated that its calendar for 2026, including the confirmed dates for the SLR Sevens Series, had been published last December, providing all clubs including Kandy SC ample time to prepare and align with the schedule.

The SLR has stressed that therefore it is deeply disappointing that Kandy SC has chosen not to support the tournament concerned under these conditions. 

The ruling body also emphasised that as a consequence, several players from Kandy SC will lose an important opportunity to stake their claim for selection to the national Sevens squad, which will be chosen following the Sevens Series in preparation for upcoming international events.

The SLR has concluded its media release insisting that it remains committed to upholding the integrity of its competitions and ensuring that all decisions are made in the best interests of the national programme.

It ended stating that the SLR Sevens Series will play a critical role in identifying and preparing players for international duty, particularly as the country builds towards the forthcoming Asian Games in October.