Issuing a media release on Thursday (30 October), Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) officially confirmed the inclusion of foreign players for the 2025/’26 ‘A’ Division season, covering the League, Knockout, and Sevens tournaments.
It will be after a hiatus of 12 long years that the local rugby circuit will have foreign flavour during the forthcoming season, which is due to kick off on 14 November with the participation of nine teams.
According to SLR, its Executive Committee had initially approved the inclusion of two foreign players per club, in line with the practice adopted in previous years and in recognition of the value such players bring to the domestic game.
However, SLR stated that following detailed discussions with the ‘A’ Division clubs – many of which had raised concerns over budget limitations and short preparation time – the former had decided to move forward in the impending season with a revised arrangement.
SLR further emphasised that accordingly, for the new season, each ‘A’ Division club would be allowed to include one foreign player.
It added that, more importantly, the decision to include two foreign players per club would be fully enforced from the 2026-’27 season onwards, giving all clubs time to plan and budget accordingly. SLR is of the view that this revised approach represents a balanced and inclusive solution, addressing the financial concerns raised by the clubs.
The controlling body stressed that this move would also preserve the strategic importance of foreign player participation, which is seen as vital for raising competition standards, attracting sponsors, and reigniting public interest in domestic rugby.
The media release noted that the inclusion of foreign players also aligned with SLR’s long-term vision of reviving the sport, enhancing local player development while strengthening Sri Lanka’s international competitiveness.
Foreign players last played club rugby in this country during the 2012-’13 season, with a planned return announced in 2018.
Such players were a prominent facet of Sri Lanka’s club rugby scene in the 1980s, and their inclusion was revived back in 2012, when the Dialog Rugby League welcomed overseas talent. This move reportedly allowed domestic clubs to scout and recruit top-tier international players, significantly raising the standard and visibility of the local competitions.
However, after the 2012-’13 season, there had been a five-year gap during which foreign players were absent from club rugby.
In July 2018, then SLR President Lasitha Gunaratne announced plans to reintroduce foreign players to the Inter-Club League Rugby Tournament.
The initiative aimed to boost crowd engagement and elevate the quality of the competition, with financial backing from the game’s governing body to support clubs in recruiting international talent.