- Pavithra’s brainchild to bridge gulf in school and national rugby
Sri Lankan school rugby is set to enter the franchise era with the official launch of Next XV, a groundbreaking new competition bringing together 140 of the nation’s leading schoolboy rugby players across four city-based franchises.
Details of this novel concept were revealed by officials of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) during a press conference held at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams in Colombo on Thursday (20).
The first-ever edition of the league is set to be played each Saturday from 19 September to 10 October with double headers every week and one match played under floodlights.
The first three Saturdays will feature the league phase, followed by the third-place playoff and the grand finale on 10 October.
More than simply another rugby tournament, Next XV is expected to serve as an official national selection tournament, providing all 140 players with an opportunity to compete under the watchful eyes of national selectors.
Each franchise will consist of 35 players, with each player receiving game time during the four-week-long competition.
The four founding franchises are the Galle Lions, Colombo Aces, Kandy Tuskers, and Jaffna Bulls. The teams are to be led by four respected names in the local rugby arena, with Fazil Marija being appointed as Head Coach of the Kandy Tuskers, Radhika Hettiarachchi taking charge of the Colombo Aces, Asela Deshapriya steering the Jaffna Bulls, and Rohan Chinthaka heading the Galle Lions.
It was disclosed at the press conference that Next XV was the brainchild of SLR President and former national skipper Pavithra Fernando, who believes the concept could create a stronger bridge between school rugby and national representation.
“Sri Lanka has never lacked rugby talent,” the former Royal and CR & FC Captain cum openside flanker told the media.
“What we’ve needed is a foundation that identifies that talent, gives it national exposure, and offers players a clear opportunity to progress. Next XV gives some 140 young players the chance to step beyond the school jersey, compete alongside the best, and show the country what they can do. This is all about discovering and developing the players who will shape the very future of rugby,” Fernando added.
While only four franchises are scheduled to contest the inaugural season, it was revealed that plans are already afoot to expand Next XV from 2027, bringing more cities, players, and opportunities into the nation’s latest rugby competition.
Eventistry Sports has come on board as the Event Rights Holder and official Marketing, Media, and Event Management Partner, bringing its expertise in developing and delivering franchise-based sporting properties to school rugby.
(JK)