The St. Anthony’s College management has employed the services of former Antonian captain and renowned coach Sanjaya Amunugama as head coach for their 1st XV team ahead of the 2018 Schools Rugby Season.
This move comes after St. Anthony’s failed to remain in the cup championship of the Schools Rugby League this year and finally finishing as Plate Champions in the lower tier. The school initially had the services of Nihal ‘Viper’ Gunarathne last year but his stint was short lived after the team failed to retain themselves in the cup segment.
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Times haven’t been good for the school in Katugastota in the sport of rugby in the past three years where the team finished in the lower three positions.
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The St. Anthony’s College rugby skipper of 1986, Sanjaya Amunugama excelled in the sport at school receiving the coveted ‘Eagle’ award for his commendable contribution.
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Taking the higher ground, Amunugama went on to play for Havelock Sports Club in 1988 and later spent his glory years playing for CH & FC from 1989 to 1996. Moving on to the Middle East, he has had the privilege of playing in the West Asia Premiership representing the Dubai Exiles & the Abu Dhabi Harlequins.
On his return back to the island, he took up the junior teams of St. Anthony’s College in 2010 and later took up the 1st XV side in 2012. The 2012 season was one to forget for the Antonians recording no wins and finishing last in the table.
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Keeping aside the darkness of the past, the newly appointed coach looks positively at the season to come. Speaking to ThePapare.com, he expressed that he is willing to take up the challenge and take Antonian rugby to greater heights.
Speaking confidently ahead of the season, the former scrum half turned coach achieved success just last month guiding the Trinity College Under 18 team to their first seven win at Race Course. The team led by Warren Weerakoon was coached by Amunugama.
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St. Anthony’s College have produced some of the best talents in the schools’ rugby arena in the past few years and would love to get some silverware in their trophy cabinet having last won the league in 2001.
