Rugby Tri-nation in Sri Lanka next month

Sri Lanka will host a TriNation International Rugby Series from October 26 to November 1 according to official sources. The renovated Race Course ground has been selected as the venue for the Tri-Nation International, where Sri Lanka will vie against Poland and Madagascar.

In the International Rugby Board (IRB) ranking Poland is placed at 28th while Madagascar is ranked at 44th and Sri Lanka, one of the Top Tier sides in the Asian region is ranked 39th.

The matches are tipped to be played under lights. Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) CEO, Allister Saverimuttu while not willing to comment on the teams, dates or the venue revealed that a gala launching event has been planned during the coming week.Saverimuttu however said he is ex- cited about the possibilities and the benefits it will bring. The tournament would give local fans the chance to see the Tuskers in action in their quest to climb the Asian Rugby ladder.

Meanwhile the Sri Lankans are in preparation for the Asian5Nations Series next year. Better oppositions and more matches will give them the opportunity to test themselves in the Asian Top Tier. The Tri-Nation tournament has the nod and support of the IRB who wants to give rugby playing countries in Asia more matches and opportunities.

The playing styles of rugby as well as size and body weight will be different between Poland and Madagascar.

In Madagascar, Rugby is considered as the main sport and the Island nation is just two wins away to a possible entry from Africa for the Rugby World Cup 2015. According to reports the Malagachi players will be similar to Sri Lanka in size but are known to be fast and strong while being ferocious tacklers. Poland, who is yet to play in a Rugby World Cup, is in the running to enter the ultimate competition, having beaten fourtime World Cup entrants Namibia.