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Kandy SC will defend their title but will be tested fully as majority of their forwards have left the club
By Shamseer Jaleel
The much awaited Inter Club Rugby League for 2022 will kick off on 21 January with Sri Lanka Army SC hosting CR & FC at Havelock Park.
Kick-off is scheduled at 4:00 p.m.
Rugby returns after a lapse of almost 22 months with the last game being played back in March 2020 in the Inter Club League, where Kandy SC became champions. Even the 2020 Clifford Cup knockout event could not take place due to the pandemic around the globe.
On January 22, there will be two games down for decision. Firstly, the defending champions, Kandy SC will play Sri Lanka Air Force at Ratmalana. On the same day, Havelock SC will host Sri Lanka Navy at Havelock Park.
On the following day (23 Jan.) CH & FC will host Sri Lanka Police at the Racecourse rugby ground.
First round matches are expected to be completed by first week of March. Thereafter, the top clubs will play for the ‘Cup’, while the bottom half will play for the ‘Plate’ segment. All league encounters will be completed by 2 April. All top eight teams will lock horns for the Clifford Cup knockout rugby commencing from 22 April, which will be completed by April 30.
According to club sources, the defending champions will go through a team building process as they have lost almost their entire forwards either to other clubs or due to players migrating overseas. On paper, CH & FC and Navy look strong contenders for the league.
The following Captains and Coaching staff were appointed by the respective clubs:
Kandy SC - Defending Champions
Police SC
Havelocks SC
CR and FC
CH & FC
Navy SC
Army SC
Air Force SC
