The S. Thomas’ Prep Invitation Youth Rugby Carnival 2026 will be held on Saturday (6 June) at the CR & FC Rugby Grounds, Colombo 7 commencing at 8.30 a.m. Eleven teams are participating this year. 

In Under 10 Tag Rugby, seven-a-side teams could register up to 12 players; in Under 12 Tackling, seven-a-side teams could register up to 12 players; in Under 14 Tackling, 10-a-side teams could register up to 15 players; and in Under 16 Tackling, 10-a-side teams could register up to 15 players in their squad declarations.

According to tournament format and rules, the trophies on offer will be only for the Under 14 and Under 16 age groups, and these include cup champions, cup runners-up, plate champions, plate runners-up, and MVP for the aforementioned age groups.

Only pool-stage games will be held for the Under 10 and Under 12 age groups, and there will not be a second round; there will be two pool games in each age group. 

In the Under 14 and age group, following the completion of pool games, third- and fourth-placed teams will play in the plate semi-finals. Winners of the latter will play in the plate finals. The group winners and runners-up will play in the plate semi-finals, and the winners will go through to the cup finals.

Likewise, in the Under 16 age group, following the completion of pool games, third- and fourth-placed teams will play in the plate semi-finals. Winners of the latter will play in the plate finals. The group winners and runners-up will play in the cup semi-finals, and the winners will play in the cup finals. 

Points will be awarded during the pool matches on the following basis (only for the Under 14 and Under 16 age groups): win – 3 points, draw – 2 points, loss – 1 point, and no show – 0 points.

The match format for the Under 10, 12, 14, and 16 age groups are as follows:

• Under 10
• Group A: St. Joseph’s College, Maradana; S. Thomas’ Prep School, Kollupitiya; and S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia
• Group B: Royal College, Colombo; Agoal Rugby Academy; and St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya
• Under 12
• Group C: St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya; Royal College, Colombo; and S. Thomas Prep School, Kollupitiya
• Group D: Nalanda College, Colombo; S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia; and St. Joseph’s College, Maradana
• Under 14
• Group E: S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia; Isipathana College, Colombo; Royal College, Panadura; and Royal College, Colombo
• Group F: S. Thomas’ College, Gurutalawa; S. Thomas’ College, Bandarawela; St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya; and S. Thomas’ Prep School, Kollupitiya
• Under 16
• Group G: S. Thomas’ Prep School, Kollupitiya; Isipathana College, Colombo; Royal College, Colombo; and St. Joseph’s College, Maradana
• Group H: Nalanda College, Colombo; Agoal Rugby Academy; St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya; and S. Thomas’ College, Gurutalawa