Asia’s Road to Rugby World Cup 2027 Kicks Off in Colombo with High-Stakes Playoff

The journey to the Rugby World Cup 2027 officially begins in Asia as Sri Lanka prepares to host a historic showdown against Malaysia in the Asia Rugby Emirates Playoff 2025. At stake is a coveted spot in the top-tier Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship.

After winning the Asia Rugby Men’s Division 1 Championship in 2024, Sri Lanka has earned the right to challenge Malaysia, who finished last in the Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship that same year.

Returning to international rugby with a bang, Sri Lanka delivered a commanding performance in 2024, defeating Kazakhstan 45-7 in the final at Racecourse Stadium, Colombo, after overpowering India 45-10 in the semi-final.

The iconic Racecourse Stadium in Colombo is set to host the highly anticipated promotion/relegation playoff on 19 April 2025 — a match that could prove pivotal in the rugby history of both nations.

A victory for Sri Lanka would mark their return to Asia’s elite level and bring them one step closer to a dream Rugby World Cup debut in 2027. This year’s Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship 2025 carries even greater significance, as the tournament winner will secure Asia’s first-ever direct qualification spot for Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.

For Malaysia, the stakes are equally high. After a challenging 2024 campaign, the team regrouped and committed to an intense preparation phase ahead of this crucial playoff. The prospect of losing their place in Asia’s top tier—and with it, their direct pathway to RWC 2027—has instilled a renewed sense of urgency and determination within the squad.

Competitions Committee Chairperson, Mr. Asanga Seneviratne, emphasised the significance of this moment: “This playoff marks a historic milestone for Asia Rugby. While the format has long allowed the Division 1 champion to challenge the lowest-ranked team in the top division, this is the first time in recent memory it has been accepted. This signals a shift toward greater competitiveness and expectations to improve world rankings which argues well for Asia Rugby: Asia Rugby continues to expanded competitions to afford opportunities to all members across the continent .”

As Sri Lanka and Malaysia prepare for this decisive clash, they do so carrying the hopes of their respective nations. With the Road to Rugby World Cup 2027 now officially underway, the 19 April showdown in Colombo promises to be a thrilling curtain-raiser to an exciting chapter in Asian rugby.