Colombo, 15 April 2025 – Asia Rugby has officially announced the match official appointments for the much-anticipated Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship Playoff 2025, set to take place on Saturday, 19 April 2025, at Racecourse Stadium, Colombo. The playoff will see Sri Lanka face off against Malaysia in a must-win encounter with significant implications for Rugby World Cup 2027 qualification.
In a major highlight, Asia Rugby stalwart and veteran referee administrator Dilroy Fernando has been entrusted with overseeing the full officiating team. As Asia Rugby’s Referees Manager, Fernando’s leadership will ensure the highest standards of integrity, consistency, and neutrality are maintained throughout this critical fixture. He will be supported by Peter Hudson, with Ghaith Jalajel serving as the Tournament Director.
“Asia Rugby’s match officials continue to set the benchmark in regional and cross-border consistency,” said Qais Al Dhalai, President of Asia Rugby. “This playoff will be overseen by a diverse and experienced team of referees. I am especially encouraged to see the appointment of the first Saudi Arabian match official — a proud moment and a clear sign of our development progress.”
The match will be officiated by Jaco De Wit (UAE) as Referee, assisted by J.P. Clement (UAE) and Aymen Jrichi (Saudi Arabia), who makes history as the first Saudi Arabian official to be appointed to an Asia Rugby 15-a-side international. Simon Dodds (UAE) will serve as the Television Match Official (TMO).
Match Details:
- Fixture: Sri Lanka vs Malaysia
- Date: Saturday, 19 April 2025
- Kick-off: 4:00 PM (Local Time)
- Venue: Racecourse International Rugby Stadium, Colombo
This playoff acts as a critical entry point into the Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship 2025, and a stepping stone towards Asia’s single qualifying spot at the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.
Coverage:
Fans can catch all the action live via Asia Rugby’s official platforms, including RugbyPass.tv and the Asia Rugby Network, with real-time updates across social media.
As the Sri Lanka national team prepares to seize home advantage, and with Dilroy Fernando’s seasoned oversight guiding the match official corps, the stage is set for what promises to be a defining moment in Asian rugby.
