The Sri Lanka national rugby team will lock horns with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a much-anticipated international rugby encounter set to take place today (July 4) at the iconic Racecourse Ground, Colombo.

As part of their final preparations, the Sri Lankan team held an intensive training session today under the watchful eyes of the coaching staff. The team looked sharp, focused, and ready to bring their A-game to home soil.

This clash promises to be a key test for the Tuskers as they look to strengthen their footing in the regional rugby scene and gain momentum ahead of upcoming international competitions. UAE, a rising force in Asian rugby, will also be eyeing a big performance away from home.

Both teams are expected to field strong lineups, and the match is anticipated to draw significant interest from local fans eager to witness top-tier rugby action.

Match Info
Date: July 4, 2025
Venue: Racecourse Rugby Grounds, Colombo
Kick-off: TBA

Stay tuned for live updates, photos, and post-match coverage on Sri Lankan Sports TV.

Colombo, July 2 – Sri Lanka Women’s National Football Team suffered another brutal defeat in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, going down 8-0 to a confident and clinical Nepalese side. Coming just days after a 10-0 hammering by Uzbekistan, this latest loss highlights deeper tactical, technical, and structural issues within Sri Lanka’s women’s football system.

Full-Time Score: Sri Lanka 0 – 8 Nepal

Half-Time: 0 – 4
Venue: Group F – AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers

Key Match Statistics

Tactical Breakdown – Why Sri Lanka Lost 8-0

Despite the possession being even at 50%, Sri Lanka was thoroughly outplayed. This is a classic case where possession stats mislead the reality on the pitch.

1. Poor Defensive Organization

• Sri Lanka conceded 14 corners and 18 shots on target, indicating that Nepal constantly penetrated both flanks and delivered into the box unchallenged.
• There was no compact defensive line, and Nepal exploited space behind Sri Lanka’s fullbacks repeatedly.

2. Ineffective Midfield Structure

• While Sri Lanka held possession equally, it was largely passive and in non-threatening zones.
• Nepal, on the other hand, converted their possession into 3.76 xG, showing how effective and vertical their transitions were.

3. Repeated Failures in Closing Down Key Players

• Sabitra Bhandari scored a hat-trick within 26 minutes (14’, 36’, 40’) and was left unmarked multiple times.
• Nepal’s attackers were given space and time to shoot – evident from the 18 shots on target.

4. No Offensive Threat

• Sri Lanka managed only 4 shots in the entire game, with an xG of just 0.60.
• With no corners and no real pressing, the team offered nothing going forward, allowing Nepal to push numbers up comfortably.

Back-to-Back Heavy Losses: Structural Failures Exposed

This defeat comes after a 10-0 loss to Uzbekistan, meaning Sri Lanka has now conceded 18 goals in two matches without scoring once.

This isn’t just a reflection of players’ on-field performance — it’s a glaring indictment of:

• FFSL’s failure to conduct any women’s football league in years
• A rushed team selection based on a short trial, without competitive match practice
• No structured coaching program or international exposure
• Lack of scouting, fitness programs, and tactical planning

Nepal, though not an Asian powerhouse, had better coaching structure, player chemistry, and clear tactics, which led to their dominance.

What’s Next for Sri Lanka?

If the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) and the Ministry of Sports continue to ignore these warning signs, Sri Lanka risks becoming irrelevant in women’s football on the Asian stage.

What’s needed:

• A proper national women’s league
• Regular youth-level competitions and scouting
• Appointing qualified coaching staff with modern tactical knowledge
• Consistent international exposure for players

Conclusion

An 8-0 defeat to Nepal isn’t just a bad result — it’s a mirror held up to a broken system. Unless real change is implemented beyond symbolic participation, these results will become Sri Lanka’s norm in women’s football.

Colombo – In a significant boost for school-level rugby in Sri Lanka, two internationally renowned referees from Hong Kong have been appointed to officiate key Dialog Schools A Division Rugby League matches this weekend.

Sunny Lee to Referee Pathana–Thomian Clash

Sunny Lee, a celebrated female international rugby referee from Hong Kong, will take charge of the much-anticipated encounter between S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia and Isipathana College, Colombo. The prestigious Rizvy Suhayb Memorial Trophy match is set for July 5 at S. Thomas’ College Grounds, Mount Lavinia.

Lee’s presence is expected to bring elite-level officiating standards to this traditional rivalry, enhancing the competitive environment and offering student-athletes a platform to perform under world-class match management.

Francisco Cammisa to Oversee Trinity vs Royal Clash

On the same day in Kandy, another experienced Hong Kong referee, Francisco Cammisa, will officiate the top-tier fixture between Trinity College, Kandy and Royal College, Colombo at the Pallekele Rugby Stadium.

International Support for Local Rugby

The arrival of these elite foreign referees is made possible through the efforts of Dilroy Fernando, former international referee and referee educator. With backing from Asian Rugby (covering airfares) and the host schools (providing accommodation and hospitality), this initiative aims to uplift officiating standards and offer young Sri Lankan players the opportunity to compete at a globally recognized level.

Long-Term Impact on School Rugby

This strategic move is expected to:

• Enhance the quality and fairness of officiating in the Dialog Schools Rugby League
• Give emerging players exposure to world-class rugby conditions
• Strengthen partnerships between Sri Lankan rugby institutions and international bodies

The involvement of international referees like Sunny Lee and Francisco Cammisa also sends a strong message about gender inclusivity and professional standards in the sport