Let’s take a closer look at the Kingswood College Rugby team that will be competing in the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2024.
History
Kingswood College Kandy has a rich history in rugby, being the first school to introduce rugby in Sri Lanka. They have produced many champion teams and legends of the game. Over the past decade, Kingswood has experienced a mix of highs and lows. They were demoted to the B division in 2016, but under the leadership of the current Sri Lankan Tuskers scrum half, Heshan Jansen, the Kings managed to come back into the top tier the next year.
In 2020, under Asiri Senevirathne, Kingswood had a solid team that could have gone all the way, but their season was brought to a premature end due to the COVID-19 virus. Over the last couple of years, Kingswood has languished at the bottom of the points table.
Current Outfit
The 2024 team, led by Anudha Upek, is focused on building a cohesive unit, emphasizing fitness and strategic play. The squad comprises a blend of experienced players and promising young talent, aiming to make a significant impact this year.
This Kingswood team is not the heaviest in terms of forwards and also not the fastest in the back division. However, they will look to turn things around with the skill set they possess. They will surely surprise some of the critics this season.
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Players to Watch Out For
One of the few standout players from last season, skipper Anudha Upek, will surely be a pivotal figure in the Kingswood mid-field. Similar to many first centers, Upek loves taking on the line, running a hard angle, and he possesses a solid offloading game as well.
Known for his line-out jumping prowess, Damindu De Silva, who serves as the Vice-Captain, will need to contribute heavily as the leader of the pack. Current Sri Lanka Tuskers wing Dinal Ekanayake’s brother Thaveesha is also another notable player to watch out for.
Another interesting young prospect for Randles Hill will be Dulisha Rasanjana. He originally played at the number eight position during his U16 career; however, in the senior team, he will start as the tight-head prop. His form will be crucial since they will play against some heavier packs like Royal, St. Peter’s, and St. Joseph’s in the first round.
Coaches
Reputed senior coach and consultant Ananda Kasturiarachchi holds the Director of Rugby position in the hierarchy of the Kingswood College management. He has been overseeing proceedings at the college from the junior age groups.
Dinesh Gamage, who brought a revival of Kingswood rugby in the past decade, acts as the Head Coach of the Kingswood outfit. With his rugby intellect, Kingswood might just slay giants in the group. Shezan Salih manages the team’s nutrition and conditioning as the trainer.
Expectations for the Season
The expectations for Kingswood will not be that high since they were starved of wins in the last couple of seasons. Managing a couple of high-profile wins in the first round will surely boost their confidence. Making sure they don’t play in the Relegation Clash at the end of the season will be one of their main targets, along with securing qualification for the knockouts. Qualifying for the Super Round will be very tough this season, considering the strong opposition in their segment. As fans, they will still be hopeful as the future is certainly unpredictable.
Full Squad
Forwards – Damindu De Silva, Bashith Halid, Dhulisha Rasanjana, Oshadha Weerasekara, Kavindhu Muthumala, Nafeez Ahamed, Sasmitha Samarakoon, Chamod Wickramasinghe, Thushara Madugalle, Dinuga Senodh, Hirun Karunathilake, Senura Methnuka, Pansilu Thakshila, Tharusha Bandara, Imesh De Silva, Rison Priyaweera, Pinidu Nawanjana, Mohommed Aathif, Mohammed Hashmi, Sanuka Nissanka, Chanidhu Adikari, Danuka Rathnayake, Oshadha Ekanayake, Kavindu Gihan, Krishan Jayawardana
Backs – Anudha Upek (Captain), Nifraz Ruzaik, Akila Dilshan, Sachintha Naveesha, Sadew Sathsara, Dinal Bandara, Sunuth Sethmal, Thaveesha Ekanayaka, Rivin Baudaween, Ashik Asmi, Dulaj Fernando, Imaad Jhaan, Roja Karavita, Akash Tharupathi, Himalka Hewage, Dineth Ranaweera, Sajidh Cassim, Nethmin Dilmina
Fixtures
- Vs Royal College – 15th June at Royal Complex
- Vs St. Peter’s College – 22nd June at Bogambara Stadium
- Vs Vidyartha College – 28th June at Bogambara Stadium
- Vs Zahira College – 6th July at Nittawela Stadium
- Vs Thurstan College – 13th July at Bogambara Stadium
- Vs Wesley College – 19th July in Colombo
- Vs St. Joseph’s College – 26th July at Havelock Park
