Traditional rivals Trinity and Royal clash for President’s Trophy

Reigning league champions Trinity College Kandy will take on traditional rivals Royal College Colombo in the final of the 2026 President’s Trophy Inter-Schools Knock-Out Rugby Tournament at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo this evening (04).

The blockbuster encounter will get underway at 4:15 p.m.

Trinity, who lost the President’s Trophy final to Isipathana College in 2025 will aim to avenge that defeat and clinch the converted shield today for the first time since 2011.

Trinity led by experienced Shan Althaf qualified for the final by comprehensively defeating Wesley College Colombo 49-29 in the semifinals of the tournament.

Trinity also defeated Zahira College Colombo 32-23 and Thurstan College 38-08 enroute to the President’s Trophy final.

Meanwhile, Royal College Colombo led by powerhouse Disas Pathirana clinched an impressive 38-13 win over Isipathana College Colombo last week to secure a place in the 2026 President’s Trophy final.

Royal defeated S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia 25-05 in the quarterfinals and thumped St. Anthony’s College Katugastota 34-07 in the pre-quarterfinal of the tournament.

Royal College enter today’s game as favourites after the impressive win over Isipathana in the semifinals but Trinity with an experienced lineup have shown they can raise their game when it matters.

Meanwhile, weather in Colombo will test both sets of players and the most disciplined side during the entirety of the 70-minutes is expected to take home the converted President’s Trophy for this year.