Unbeaten double champions Kandy Sports Club (Kandy SC) have decided to rely entirely on homegrown talent for the upcoming 2025–26 club rugby season, choosing not to recruit foreign players despite Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR)’s recent decision to allow overseas signings.
Team Manager and former national star Kapila Silva confirmed the decision to The Daily Morning Sports, stating that the late timing of SLR’s announcement left Kandy SC with limited options to scout top-tier foreign talent. “We have decided to trust our local players to defend both the League and Knockout titles,” Silva explained.
The reigning champions, led by full-back Srinath Sooriyabandara, captured both the Mastercard League and Clifford Cup last season—remaining unbeaten after reclaiming the silverware from CR and FC and Police SC. This year, the squad will again feature local standouts under the leadership of flanker Tharindu Chathuranga.
When asked if Kandy SC would be disadvantaged against teams bolstered by foreign imports, Silva dismissed the notion: “Rugby is a team sport. We believe our players can match any opposition, even those with foreigners.”
Silva also criticized the SLR’s timing, suggesting the foreign-player policy should have been introduced in the 2026–27 season. He hinted, however, that the club may explore international signings next year, depending on how the rule evolves.
In a show of solidarity, Police SC have also opted to go local this season, according to Rugby Committee Chairperson DIG Ranmal Kodithuwakku. Meanwhile, Air Force SC are yet to confirm their stance.
Conversely, the rest of the top-flight contenders—Havelocks SC, CH and FC, CR and FC, Army SC, Navy SC, and newcomers Sri Lions—have embraced the foreign-player policy. Notably, Havelocks SC announced the signing of players from Samoa and New Zealand earlier this week.
As the domestic season approaches kickoff, the spotlight will be on Kandy SC to see if their unwavering faith in local rugby talent can sustain their dominance against a new wave of internationally reinforced rivals.
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