23rd Inter-Plantation Rugby Sevens to kick off on April 05th

The lush green mountains and golden valleys of tea will heat up in early April as the 23rd Inter-Plantation Rugby 7s returns to the picturesque Dickoya Maskeliya Cricket Club (DMCC), Darawala. With a proud history spanning nearly 157 years, DMCC stands as a renowned hub for sports and entertainment within the plantation community, organizing this prestigious annual event.

The tournament will commence on April 5, 2025, with the curtain-raiser match kicking off at 9:00 a.m. This year, 13 teams will compete for the coveted Anysort Challenge Trophy.

Defending champions Malwatte Valley Plantations will field two teams, while Talawakele, Kelani Valley, Elpitiya, Bogawantalawa, Maturata, Maskeliya, and Kotagala Plantations will each field one. Additionally, combined teams from Lankem (Agrapathana), Arpico (Kegalle and Namunukula), Damro (Pusellawa and Agalawatte), Kahawatte, and Hapugastanna/Udupusallawa will also join the fray.

In recent years, Malwatte Plantations and Talawakele Plantations have dominated the tournament, sharing multiple titles. Malwatte Plantations, aiming for a third consecutive championship, will look to extend their winning streak. However, a fierce battle is expected, with strong challenges anticipated from Elpitiya, Talawakele, Maskeliya, Bogawantalawa, and other teams fielding talented young players alongside seasoned veterans.

The plantation community and hill country clubs have long been regarded as the cradle of Sri Lankan rugby, with deep-rooted connections between the plantation sector and the local rugby scene. Many school rugby players follow tradition by joining the plantation industry after completing their schooling.

A large crowd of rugby enthusiasts, especially from Kandy and Colombo, is expected to gather at the DMCC Club Grounds. As always, the tournament will bring a carnival-like atmosphere, filled with entertainment, excitement, and the intense battles of rugby.