COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, April 19, 2025 (ePRESS) – With the dreams of a nation resting on their shoulders, Sri Lanka’s rugby stars will take the field today for a decisive Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship 2025 Play-Off match against Malaysia — a clash that could lift the Tuskers into the top four of Asian rugby for the first time in years.
Kick-off is set for 4:00 PM at Racecourse Grounds in Colombo. It promises to be a high-intensity battle, with Sri Lanka, ranked 40th in the world, meeting 50th-ranked Malaysia in what has been billed as a “do or die” showdown.
A win today will qualify Sri Lanka to join regional powerhouses United Arab Emirates, South Korea, and Hong Kong in the final four of the Asia Rugby Championship — the elite tier of Asian rugby. It would also keep their long-shot dream of qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup alive.
“This is not just another match. This is about pride, progress and history,” Sri Lanka’s Head Coach Sanath Martis said. “Our boys are hungry, and they know what’s at stake.”
The Sri Lankan team will be led by seasoned fly-half Nigel Ratwatte, who has consistently been the backbone of the Tuskers’ backline for nearly a decade. Ratwatte’s calm decision-making, accurate kicking, and ability to control the tempo will be crucial as the hosts look to dismantle a physically aggressive Malaysian side.
The Tuskers, however, will be without two key players: Tarinda Ratwatte, a dynamic centre and former captain, and Omalka Gunaratne, the explosive flanker from CR & FC. Both were instrumental in Sri Lanka’s 2024 Division I title run.
Still, Martis and his experienced coaching team — Forwards Coach Dushanth Lewke and Backs Coach Saliya Kumara — have selected a balanced squad. Young talents like Heshan Jansen and Akash Madhushanka, supported by stalwarts such as Danushka Ranjan and Janidu Dilshan, are expected to deliver high-impact performances.
Malaysia enters the game with a poor recent record, having lost four of their last five matches. Their last victory came against Singapore in May 2024, but they have since suffered heavy defeats to South Korea (55-5), Hong Kong (70-6), and the United Nations Invitational team (62-19).
Still, Malaysian captain Nurhidayat Muzhaimey is optimistic. “We’ve had setbacks, yes, but this is a new day. We believe in ourselves,” he said.
Malaysia’s physical pack, led by Samuela Tamanisau and Suhaikal Suhaimi, could pose problems at the breakdowns and in set-pieces. But questions remain about their defensive structure and game discipline — both exposed in recent blowouts.
In contrast, Sri Lanka is brimming with confidence. The Tuskers crushed Cambodia 45-7 and dismantled India 45-10 in their last two international test matches. Both wins showcased their tactical clarity, fast ball movement, and ferocious defence.
Fly-half Nigel Ratwatte’s partnership with fullback Thilina Bandara and centre Janidu Fernando has been central to their attacking success, while the forwards — anchored by Lasindu Karunathilake and Nirosh Perera — have provided clean ball and dominant scrums.
Speaking to the press, the Director General of Sports and Sri Lanka Rugby’s Competent Authority Prof Shemal Fernando (Rear Admiral) urged fans from across the island to come and support the national side. “Rugby is not just about the players. It’s about the people — the fans. We invite everyone, even Malaysian supporters, to enjoy this game together, side by side.”
The Racecourse Grounds is expected to be packed, as patriotic fervour rises and the hope of breaking into Asia’s rugby elite burns bright.
Sri Lanka has the momentum, home support, and form. Malaysia has the hunger to redeem their recent failures. But today, only one can rise.
For the Tuskers, this is more than a match — it is a doorway to a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s rugby history.
Sri Lanka Squad:
Janidu Fernando, Pulasthi Dissanayake, Senura Perera, Naveen Marasinghe, Thilina Bandara, Nizran Nillar, Tharindu Chathuranga, Lasindu Karunathilake, Heshan Jansen, Nigel Ratwatte (capt), Janidu Dilshan, Akash Madhushanka, Danushka Ranjan, Dinal Ekanayake, Mursheed Zubair, Vimukthi Gamage, Nirosh Perera, Mohamed Rifan, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Pasindu Bandara, Thanuja Jayaweera, Dahan Wickramarachchi, Venura Kodagoda.
Malaysia Squad:
Kamal Rosnan, Ukminin Amizan, MD Heriezal, Shobrey Amok, Sani Surinder, Nurhidayat Muzhaimey (capt), Suhaikal Suhaimi, Vaqa Saukuru, Nasharuddin Ismail, Aqil Kamsol, Ahmad Termizi, Samuela Tamanisau, Afifuddin Misruji, Daim Zainudin, Abu Hassan, MD Nazri, Zakwan Zunaidi, Haiqal Sahhizam, MD Shukri, James Long, Abdillah Ramli, Hasrun Zulkeffli, Fitri Nasrudin.
