Leicester Tigers have officially announced Zahira College as their newest Global Partner Club, as confirmed on the English Premiership side’s official website.
Zahira College now joins an esteemed list of teams from around the world, including KL Tigers (Malaysia), Dendermonde (Belgium), Colorno (Italy), RC Diok (Holland), BK Lions (Thailand), and Delhi Hurricanes (India).
Since its inception, Zahira College has been a formidable force in the sporting arena, producing a roster of outstanding sportsmen who have earned accolades for their country.
Zahira College Colombo, a pioneer in school-level rugby in Sri Lanka, competitively entered the sport in 1924 and has participated in the A Division School Rugby League for many years.
In conjunction with the new partnership with Leicester Tigers, Zahira College is gearing up to celebrate its centenary in 2024 and is dedicated to expanding the game throughout Asia.
This partnership, spearheaded by Saabir Cader, in collaboration with Tom Varndell, former Leicester and England player, and Scott Clarke, Head of Global Partnership, holds immense potential.
In an exclusive interview with ThePapapre.com, Saabir expressed his gratitude to Zahira College leadership and acknowledged the crucial role played by Tom Varndell and Scott Clarke in facilitating this partnership.
“I’m very grateful to Zahira College Chairman, Mr. Fouzul Hameed, Principal Trizviiy Marikkar, Rugby Chairman Aufer Johar, and the Board of Governors for accepting my proposal,” said Saabir. Special thanks were extended to Tom Varndell and Scott Clarke for expediting the partnership, which was celebrated during the jersey presentation at Leicester Tigers’ grounds in front of 26,000 people, showcasing Sri Lanka’s pride.
This partnership not only offers local players the opportunity to compete in English leagues but also aims to drive rugby development globally while fostering sustainable connections between players, partners, and communities.
Leicester Tigers will collaborate with Zahira College to conduct Rugby Camps and coaching sessions in Sri Lanka, creating pathways for players and coaches from Sri Lanka to engage with Leicester and the United Kingdom, leveraging the extensive Tigers’ Global Partner Club network.
The landmark partnership announcement took place during the half-time of the Gallagher Premiership fixture between Tigers and Bath Rugby on December 31. Saabir Cader, Jamal Riad Jaffar, Aufer Johar, and Rilwan Fareed from Zahira College were present to mark this special occasion.
