The country’s inter-club rugby season for 2024-2025 is officially planned to kick off on 22 November, with disquiet running high among a few leading clubs in the metropolis, over the clear passage granted to debutants Sri Lions to compete, according to informed sources.
The forthcoming season will feature nine clubs, including new contestants Sri Lions Sports Club. However, their addition to the cream of the top division, has already sparked protests from a few prominent Colombo clubs, it is understood.
Sri Lions SC, the ‘B’ Division champions from 2023, has been officially approved to compete in the top division by the Sports Ministry DG Dr. Shemal Fernando, in his capacity as the Competent Authority (CA) for Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR), since 29 May this year.
The SLR presently stands suspended from the said date by former Sports Minister Harin Fernando, over its failure to conduct the AGM before the annual cutoff date 31 May.
However, the inclusion of Sri Lions has not come without its fair share of controversy. Many clubs are reportedly discontent with their inclusion, alleging that it challenges the integrity of the League.
It has been said that, CR&FC, Air Force and Police, have voiced passionate opposition against Sri Lions SC joining the top circuit, citing concerns over fairness of their inclusion.
Interestingly, a long-standing A Division club CH&FC has welcomed the new arrival and has shown no opposition to their participation, sources claimed.
The apparent lack of consensus among clubs has already raised questions about the immediate future of the impending tournament, rugby analysts have noted.
The nine teams participating in the A Division this period are CR&FC, Kandy SC, Havelock SC, CH&FC, Police SC, Air Force SC, Army SC, Navy S, and Sri Lions SC.
CR&FC the reigning champions and semi-finalist in the Clifford Cup in the previous season will stride out under Gemunu Chetiya, as they aim to defend their title in a hotly contested and congested field.
Kandy SC, who over League runners-up, forewent the Clifford Cup last season and the Nittawela-based club will be led by Srinath Sooriyabandara.
Havelock SC, placed third in the League, were runners-up in the Clifford Cup last year and they will be skippered by Faiz Abdullah in the upcoming season.
CH&FC, who protected fourth place in the League and reached the semi-finals of the Clifford Cup, will be led by Janindu Dilshan.
Police SC, who protected the Plate title in the League and emerged Clifford Cup champions after a long layoff, will mount their challenge under Mohan Wimalaratne.
Air Force SC, who finished sixth in the League and were quarter-finalists in the Clifford Cup, will be led by Rumesh Wasantha.
Army SC ended last season placed seventh and they were also the Clifford Cup quarter-finalists.
Navy SC, who had to be content with eighth place in the League and Clifford Cup quarter-finalists, will be captained by Stephan Gregory, as they pursue to make an impact in the new season.
And last but not least newcomers Sri Lions SC will step onto the field with Kevin Dixon captaining them in their debut season.
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