Sri Lanka is fascinating mix of different cultures, religions, scenery and sightseeing but what truly sets the country apart from any other is the warmth and exceptional hospitality of the Sri Lankan people; you will always be met with a broad welcoming smile. It’s not uncommon for a whole school to turn out to welcome a sports touring group as they arrive to play a fixture.
Rugby was first played in Sri Lanka 1879 making it the second oldest rugby playing nation in the world. In 1891 the first schools match was played in Kandy between Kingswood and Trinity, a rivalry that continues today and the school game has flourished ever since. There are currently over 75,000 registered players on the island making in the second largest rugby nation in Asia behind Japan. The British & Irish Lions also stopped in Sri Lanka in 1930 and 1950 for unofficial tour games against Sri Lanka.
The fixtures are played in a variety of grounds including the Race Course Rugby Ground in Colombo which hosts Sri Lanka’s national rugby fixtures. With such a rich rugby history and the welcoming Sri Lankan hospitality it will provide a memorable destination for any rugby tour.
