Sri Lanka in Chance to grab a Spot in the Rugby World Cup 2027

The match is scheduled to be held at the Johor Rugby Stadium in Malaysia, as confirmed by Malaysia Rugby honorary secretary Fahmy Jalil.

Malaysia enters this playoff after finishing last in the 2024 Asia Rugby Championship, failing to win a single match. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, earned their place by winning Division 1 in 2024.

The two teams last faced off in 2017, with Malaysia defeating Sri Lanka 22-9. However, Sri Lanka is currently ranked 41st in the world, while Malaysia is ranked 52nd, giving Sri Lanka an advantage.

The winner will join Hong Kong, South Korea, and the UAE in the Asia Rugby Championship Super 4. The champion of the Super 4 will directly qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Even the second-placed team in the Asia Rugby Championship will get another chance to qualify by facing the runner-up from the African Rugby Championship.

The 2027 Rugby World Cup will be historic, with 24 teams participating for the first time. 

Sri Lanka has a strong chance to make history and secure their place on the global rugby stage.