The United Arab Emirates (UAE) defeated Sri Lanka by 29-21 in the final game of the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship 2025 at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo this evening.
The third consecutive loss condemned Sri Lanka to the bottom of the table in the Championship and are now on the brink of elimination from the top tier.
Although the Lankans showed promise early on it was Jack Stapley who opened the scoring for the UAE which was converted.
The visitors went on to score two more tries in the first half while the Lankans managed a solitary try through Mohamed Rifan. Skipper Tarinda Ratwatte converted the try and put over two penalties.
The visitors led 22-16 at lemons.
Sri Lanka scored through Shamika Kaushan at the start of the second half, much to the jubilation of the home supporters.
They however could not breach the lead of the UAE side which was filled with expats.
At the dying stages of the game, Jack Stapley scored his second try and sealed the game for the UAE side who finished second in the points table behind Hong Kong.
Sri Lanka will now have to win the play-off game to remain in the championship next year.
