Sri Lanka missed out on a place in the final of the Asia Rugby Sevens Series 2025 after losing to Japan 12-15 in the Cup semi-final played at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo a short while ago.

Japan who are overwhelmingly favorites were stunned by the Lankans earlier on in the semi-final who opened scoring through captain Kavindu Perera. However, Heshan Jansen missed the conversation.

Despite the solitary defence display, Japan went on to plant a try before the half-time whistle to level the scores.

At lemons, the encounter was equally poised at 05-05.

Diluksha Dange helped Sri Lanka to regain the lead through a brilliant try which was converted by Suranga Tennakoon immediately after the resumption.

However, a yellow card to Gayan Perera for tackling a player without the ball changed the fortunes for the Lankans as Japan scored their second try to reduce the deficit.

Japan then showcased their superior skills set to score the third try of the game and took the score to 15-12.

Although Sri Lanka attempted to break the defence of the Japanese in the final three minutes of the game, the visitors managed to prevail and secured a place in the Championship final.

Sri Lanka will now take on China in the third-place play-off game while Japan will take on Hong Kong in the final later this evening.

The final leg of the Asia Rugby Sevens Series 2025 underway at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo last morning with the participation of 24 men’s and women’s teams.

Curtains on the Colombo leg of the Asia Rugby Sevens Series 2025 will come down with the Men’s final encounter which is scheduled to be held at 6:26 p.m. today.