Dialog Schools Rugby League kicks off today

The much-awaited season opener of the ‘Dialog Schools Rugby League 2024’ will kick off today when St. Joseph’s College scrums down with Vidyartha College, Kandy at Havelock Grounds, 4 p.m. onwards.

Last season, St. Joseph’s College finished fourth in Group 1A with three wins and three losses, while Vidyartha managed two wins and four losses in Group 2A, with both teams failing to secure spots in the Super Round. However, the match is expected to draw significant spectator interest as St. Joseph’s College aims to make a strong impression this season and contend for the title.

The league promises seven weeks of thrilling rugby action, featuring eight games each week. Defending champions, St. Peter’s College, are the favourites this season. 

The Peterites will face off against Thurstan College in their season opener on Saturday (15 June), one of seven Division 1A matches taking place concurrently at different venues. St. Peter’s had an outstanding 2023 season, clinching both the league and knockout titles by beating Isipathana. They will look to repeat their performance this season.

However, the clash of the week will be between Trinity College, Kandy, and S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, at Pallekele. Trinity finished last season in fourth place with three wins in Group 2A, while the Thomians were placed fifth with three wins in the same group.

On the same day, Royal College, who had six wins out of eight matches last season, will host Kingswood College, while DS Senanayake College will take on Dharmaraja College at CR and FC grounds. Zahira College will host Wesley College, and St. Anthony’s College will play against Science College at Nittawela ground, all kicking off the 2024 season. Last year’s runners up Isipathana College will hosts Sri Sumangala, Kandy at Havelock Grounds. 

In addition to eight top division games, the Dialog Schools Rugby League features exciting matches in the lower divisions. The first Division A Segment B match is on 19 June, between Sri Sumangala College, Panadura, and Prince of Wales, Moratuwa, at Ananda College grounds. Ananda College will face St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy, at Ananda grounds, and St. Aloysius College, Galle, will play Piliyandala Central at BOI grounds on 20 June. On 22 June, Sri Rahula College will play Mahanama College at Bogambara, Carey College will face Lumbini at Ananda grounds, and St. Benedict’s College will compete against Maliyadeva College at St. Benedict’s ground, with all matches kicking off at 4:15 p.m.

The league also features matches in Division 1 Segment C, Division 2, and Division 3 starting from 25 June onwards, promising a season of intense competition and a platform for young rugby talent to shine. Dialog Axiata PLC has also made financial donations to over 70 schools to enhance existing infrastructure and provide rugby kits. This year, a record-breaking 84 school teams are competing across three divisions, setting a new standard in the history of the Schools Rugby League. The increased participation reflects Dialog’s ongoing support for Schools Rugby, including initiatives like development tournaments.

To ensure fans don’t miss the action, as the principal sponsor, Dialog Axiata PLC has made arrangements to live broadcast the tournament on Dialog Television – ThePapare TV (channel number 63), ThePapare TV HD (channel number 126), Dialog ViU, and Thepapare.com, catering to the interests of current and former students, parents, supporters, well-wishers, and the rugby-loving community in Sri Lanka.

Dialog Axiata is also a dedicated sponsor of the National Cricket, Volleyball, and Esports teams and the primary sponsor of the Sri Lanka Golf Open. The company promotes diversity, equity and inclusion through sponsorships in Netball Federation of Sri Lanka and National Paralympic Committee to enable athletes to participate in national and international tournaments. Further, in line with its commitment towards empowering the champions of tomorrow, the company continues to power the President’s Gold Cup Volleyball, National Junior and Senior Netball tourneys, and School Rugby.