Dialog Schools Rugby League kicks off today

Gayan Perera (Vidyartha Captain)

Vishika Fernando (St. Joseph’s Captain)

The much-awaited season opener of the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2024 will kick-off today when St. Joseph’s College scrum down with Vidyartha College at Havelocks Park, commencing at 4.00 p.m. 

Last season, St. Joseph’s 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 aim 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, 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 knock-out titles by beating Isipathana. They will look to repeat their performance this season.
However, the clash of the week will be between Trinity College and S. Thomas’ College,Mount Lavinia, at the Pallekele Stadium. 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 D. S. Senanayake College will take on Dharmaraja College at the CR and FC Grounds. 

Zahira College will host Wesley College and St. Anthony’s College will play against Science College at the Nittawela Stadium, all kicking off the 2024 season. 

Last year’s runners up Isipathana College will host Sri Sumangala, Kandy at Havelock Park. 

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.