Sri Lanka becomes newest edition to elite Top 5

Singapore: Sri Lanka has climbed close to the top of Asian rugby's totem pole after beating Singapore 23-16 in a thrilling final of the HSBC Asian 5 Nations Division I tournament played last weekend.

In the third/fourth place play-off, Malaysia achieved its primary objective by retaining its Division I status after winning the relegation match against a young Chinese Taipei XV, 35-3. After being pushed to the limit against Malaysia in Wednesday's semi-final, the hosts and top seeds Singapore could not withstand a second charge from Sri Lanka.

The visitors turned in a comprehensive performance in wet and humid conditions at Singapore's Yio Chu Kang stadium to emerge as Division I champions for the first time in three years. Sri Lanka will now be promoted to the elite Top 5 competition in Asian rugby starting in 2011.

Seventh in row

Sri Lanka now becomes the seventh team to take part in the elite Top 5 competition since the inception of the HSBC A5N in 2008.

Sri Lankans will have a year to prepare for this ultimate test of continental rugby as promotions take effect in 2011.

The 2010 Top 5 features Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Hong Kong and the Arabian Gulf — who replaced Singapore as the promoted team from the 2009 Division I — and kicks-off next on April 24 with matches in Hong Kong versus Korea and Kazakhstan versus Arabian Gulf.

The runners-up in the Top 5 competition will play an inter-continental repechage with the first test against Uruguay in July.