Veteran fullback Nigel Ratwatte has made a stunning return to the national rugby scene, not just as a player—but as the captain of a bold new Sri Lankan side that’s already begun to make headlines.

After months of speculation surrounding his future, Ratwatte has clarified that he never retired from representing Sri Lanka. “I only stepped away from club rugby. Representing the country was always a priority,” he said, addressing the rumours with calm conviction. P

There may have been some misunderstanding, but when I got the call, I was ready.”

His comeback couldn’t have been more impactful. In his first match as captain, Ratwatte led a youthful Sri Lankan team to an impressive win over Malaysia—showcasing sharp attacking play, discipline, and a renewed sense of purpose on the field.

It was a proud moment, especially captaining Sri Lanka for the first time,” Ratwatte reflected. “We had a very young squad, but they turned up well-prepared and executed our game plan with real intent

At 35, Ratwatte brings a wealth of experience to a side that is clearly in transition.

We have fewer seasoned players, so those of us with experience must step up. It’s about leading by example and helping the younger players shape their future in rugby

Now, Sri Lanka faces an exciting new challenge—the much-anticipated two-match series against New Zealand’s Under-85kg team. This unique tour will feature matches on May 4th at Nittawela Grounds and May 10th under lights at the Race Course Grounds in Colombo.

“This is a historic moment for us,” Ratwatte explained. “

To have any version of the All Blacks play in Sri Lanka is incredible. Even in the U85kg category, the professionalism, fitness, and structure they bring is something our players can learn immensely from.”

Ratwatte praised the concept of weight-restricted rugby, calling it an ideal benchmark for developing nations like Sri Lanka.

It offers a level playing field and gives us a better sense of where we stand globally. It’s great exposure.”

As for expectations from the series?

They’re still the All Blacks, so it will be a challenge. But we’re ready to give it everything,” Ratwatte stated, acknowledging the significance of the opportunity.

Looking ahead, Sri Lanka has its sights set on the Asia Rugby Championship. The team will face the UAE, South Korea, and powerhouses Hong Kong. A 40-man training squad has been assembled, which will be narrowed down to 30 ahead of the tournament.

Playing UAE and Korea at home is a big boost. Our fans bring an energy that pushes us forward,” Ratwatte added, emphasizing the power of home support.

With his experience, leadership, and renewed commitment to national duty, Ratwatte’s return signals a pivotal moment for Sri Lankan rugby—one filled with potential, purpose, and pride.

As the Indian Premier League 2025 enters its final stretch, the playoff battle has intensified with most teams having played 10 of their 14 matches. While some franchises have all but confirmed their spot in the top four, others are locked in a fierce competition to stay alive.

Here’s a look at how the table stands and who’s most likely to make it to the playoffs:

Current Top 4 (after 10 matches):

1. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – 14 points
2. Punjab Kings (PBKS) – 13 points
3. Mumbai Indians (MI) – 12 points
4. Gujarat Titans (GT) – 12 points (1 game in hand)

RCB has bounced back impressively with 3 consecutive wins, giving them a strong chance of securing a top-two finish. With four matches remaining, two more wins could guarantee their playoff qualification.

PBKS have been solid but inconsistent. With 13 points, they need just one more win to stay ahead, though their net run rate (+0.199) may be a concern in case of a tie.

MI and GT, both with 12 points, are neck-and-neck. GT, however, has an advantage with a game in hand and a superior net run rate (+0.748). Winning at least two of their remaining five matches should see them through.

Challengers Still in the Mix:

• Delhi Capitals (DC) – 12 points, NRR +0.362
• Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – 10 points
• Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – 9 points

DC is firmly in the hunt but will need to improve consistency after a mixed last five games. LSG and KKR will need to win at least 3 of their last 4 matches and hope other results go their way.

Teams Almost Out:

• Rajasthan Royals (RR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – 6 points
• Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – 4 points

CSK, the five-time champions, are officially out of the playoff race after securing only 2 wins in 10 games – their worst performance in years. RR and SRH also appear to be on the brink of elimination.

Prediction for Top 4 Playoff Spots:

1. RCB – Likely top finishers with strong form
2. GT – One game in hand gives a crucial edge
3. MI – Solid NRR and experienced campaigners
4. DC – Slight edge over PBKS due to momentum and NRR

As the league heads into its final four rounds, every run, wicket, and over will matter. The playoff picture is far from settled and promises high drama in the coming weeks.

Sri Lanka’s young tennis talents, Yuhansa Peiris and Ashlin de Silva, delivered impressive performances in the first round of the ITF Junior Circuit J30 Week 2 tournament held at the SSC tennis courts in Colombo.

In the girls’ singles category, Yuhansa Peiris showcased resilience and skill to overcome China’s Zhuo Chen in straight sets, winning 7-6, 6-2. Her victory marks a significant achievement in her budding tennis career.

On the boys’ side, Ashlin de Silva demonstrated dominance on the court, defeating India’s Ayaan Mohammad with a convincing 6-3, 6-1 scoreline. Ashlin’s performance reflects his growing prowess in the junior tennis circuit.

Other Notable Results:

• Girls’ Singles: Hanu Ishida (Japan) beat Malanesa Susanto (Indonesia) 6-2, 6-2.

• Boys’ Singles: Kazuki Nekajma (Japan) defeated Aahil Kaleel (Sri Lanka) 6-2, 6-2.

The tournament continues to provide a platform for young athletes to compete at an international level, fostering the development of future tennis stars.

For more updates on the tournament and Sri Lanka’s emerging tennis talents, stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV.