Rugby Tours to Sri Lanka

 Sri Lanka is fascinating mix of different cultures, religions, scenery and sightseeing but what truly sets the country apart from any other is the warmth and exceptional hospitality of the Sri Lankan people; you will always be met with a broad welcoming smile.  It’s not uncommon for a whole school to turn out to welcome a sports touring group as they arrive to play a fixture.

Rugby was first played in Sri Lanka 1879 making it the second oldest rugby playing nation in the world.  In 1891 the first schools match was played in Kandy between Kingswood and Trinity, a rivalry that continues today and the school game has flourished ever since.  There are currently over 75,000 registered players on the island making in the second largest rugby nation in Asia behind Japan.    The British & Irish Lions also stopped in Sri Lanka in 1930 and 1950 for unofficial tour games against Sri Lanka.

The fixtures are played in a variety of grounds including the Race Course Rugby Ground in Colombo which hosts Sri Lanka’s national rugby fixtures.  With such a rich rugby history and the welcoming Sri Lankan hospitality it will provide a memorable destination for any rugby tour.

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The first stop for most tours is the former capital city Kandy which is located in the hill county. The city is centred around the beautiful Kandy Lake and is surrounded by hills littered with lush vegetation which forms a stunning backdrop.  A visit to the culturally significant Temple of Tooth followed by a night of traditional Kandyan Dancing is a must do.

From Kandy it’s possible to visit Sigiriya Rock, an impressive fortress carved into a rock and also visit a traditional Spice Garden and a Tea Plantation – one of Sri Lanka’s most famous exports

The next stop is the capital Colombo visiting the world famous Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage en route.   Colombo is the commercial hub of the country; popular trips include Galle Face Green, dinner on the beach Mount Lavinia Hotel or sampling the unique atmosphere at of watching Sri Lanka in home Cricket International.

We would also recommend finishing a tour in a beach resort such as Hikkaduwa or Bentota. Activities can include visiting a Turtle Hatchery.  We are able to include a charity project work or a rugby coaching clinic at one of the many community foundations in place predominantly in the South West of the island, an area that was decimated by the Tsunami in 2004.

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