Rugby League kicks off next weekend

The much-anticipated Nippon Paint Rugby League 2022/2023 will kick off next weekend with the top eight clubs in the country fighting for honours. Along with defending Champions Kandy SC, CH&FC, CR&FC, Havelock SC, Army SC, Air Force SC, Police SC and Navy SC will challenge each other clinch this year’s title.

Navy SC and Police SC will play the curtain-raiser on December 9 in Welisara. Defending champions Kandy SC will open the campaign against Army SC on December 11 at Nittawela Stadium and will travel to Colombo to play against CR&FC on December 17. On December 31, Kandy SC will host Air Force at Nittawela and again Navy SC on January 8. After two straight home matches, Kandy SC will travel to Colombo to play Police SC (January 14), CH&FC (January 21) and Havelock SC (January 28)

The tournament was launched this week at a ceremony held at Hotel Taj Samudra with the participation of the captains of all eight teams.

Speaking at the launch, Sri Lanka Rugby President Rizly Illyas thanked the sponsor for coming forward to partner the country’s top rugby league.

“We have had a strong association with Nippon Paint Lanka as a sponsor and we are keen to continue that sponsorship,” Illyas said. “They have sponsored SLR in international and local competitions and in encouraging new talent through sponsorships of rugby in schools. Even though it was shortened, we had a very successful tournament last year”.

Nemantha Abeysinghe, General Manager Nippon Paint Lanka said that they are happy to be onboard for the 2022-2023 season as the tournament sponsor.