Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) has officially announced that foreign players will return to the country’s domestic club circuit for the first time in over a decade, with the upcoming league tournament set to kick off on 14 November.
In a press release issued on 28 October, SLR confirmed that each participating club will be permitted to field one foreign player during the 2025 season.
The decision marks a revision of an earlier Executive Committee resolution, which had initially approved the inclusion of two foreign players per club.
According to SLR, the adjustment was made following consultations with all participating clubs, who unanimously agreed to limit the number to one foreign player, citing logistical challenges due to the short preparation period and financial constraints faced by several teams.
The governing body also confirmed that two additional clubs will be introduced in the next league season, reflecting continued efforts to expand the domestic rugby structure.
Foreign players last featured in Sri Lanka’s club rugby during the 2012–2013 Dialog Rugby League, which saw a revival of overseas participation after their dominance in the 1990s.
The inclusion of international players during that period significantly raised the standard and visibility of the local game.
Although there was a five-year hiatus following the 2012–2013 season, then SLR President Lasitha Gunaratne announced in 2018 plans to reintroduce foreign players to the Inter Club Rugby League, aiming to boost fan engagement and enhance competition quality.
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