MARAMBE CALLS FOR FOREIGN REFEREES

As the 2025 Inter-Schools Rugby League prepares for kick-off

- By ALLAAM OUSMAN

As the 2025 Inter-Schools Rugby League prepares for kickoff on June 6, former Sri Lanka captain and national selector Tikiri Marambe has called for higher refereeing standards to ensure fairness and flow in the country’s most-watched youth sport.

Speaking after the conclusion of the President’s Trophy knockout tournament, Marambe - a former Trinity College and CR & FC scrum half, and Air Force and Sri Lanka captain - identified several schools showing early promise ahead of the league season.

“Trinity has really stepped up,” he said. “Coach Fazil Marija has brought discipline and drive, and they’re going to be serious contenders. St. Peter’s, Royal, S. Thomas’ and even Kingswood - despite their disappointing knockout performance - have squads with depth.”

He also acknowledged the potential in schools such as D.S. Senanayake and Ananda College. “They’re improving steadily and could become competitive in a season or two. You can see the structure starting to build.”