Let’s take a closer look at the Trinity College, Kandy Rugby team competing in the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2024.
History
Trinity College Kandy has always been a school Rugby powerhouse in Sri Lanka with a rich history of Rugby. They are one of the oldest schools to have played the oval-shaped ball in the country. Known for their spirited play and resilience, Trinity has gradually built a reputation as one of the top teams in the Schools Rugby circuit. However, Trinity College last lifted the coveted league title way back in 1987.
Over the past decade, Trinity has maintained a strong presence in the league, but they have not been able to win the league, nor win the prestigious Bradby Shield. They last won the Bradby in 2014, exactly a decade ago.
Current Outfit
Trinity’s current team is a balanced mix of seasoned players and emerging talents. This Trinity lineup has a lot of pace to burn, so it will be interesting to see how other teams chase them. Mobility will be their biggest assets this season, which will be crucial to close off key matches.
Center Anuhas Kodituwakku will lead the Trinitians this year with the support of the two Vice-Captains, Ravin Illangarathne and Thisanga Dissanayake.
Players to Watch Out For
Kodituwakku’s form will be crucial for Trinity’s chances in 2024, while his two Vice-Captains are expected to lead the pack. Both of them will play a pivotal role as back-row forwards.
The find of the 2023 season, young Shan Althaf, who is the playmaker at No. 10, must make sure he does his best with the boot as well. He scored nearly 30 points with the boot last year.
Rushen Bandaranayake will call the shot from the base of the scrum as the No. 9 of this Trinity lineup. Akash Fernando, playing his first season at Trinity, is another key player to watch out for at the second-row, especially with his height.
Coaches
Trinity is coached by the Sri Lankan Rugby superstar Fazil Marija, who is also the Head Coach of Kandy Sports Club. Sanushka Abeywickrama and Ravindu Wickramasinghe act as the assistant coaches of the Team. Sanjeewa Perera has been given the reins of coaching the pack, while Aruna Perera serves as the Trinity backs Coach. The trainer of the team is Tharaka Algama.
Expectations for the Season
The expectations for Trinity College, Kandy remain high. Trinity will play 4 games in Kandy, which will be crucial for their chances. Playing Isipathana College and D. S. Senanayake College away from home will be tough, but this time around, Trinity has a good potential of qualifying for the Super Round.
Maintaining their competitive edge and executing their game strategies effectively will be crucial for achieving their goals this season. No matter how the league pans out, Trinity’s main focus will be on how to secure the Bradby Shield in September.
Full Squad
Forwards – Ravin Illangarathne, Thisanga Dissanayake, Senula Alexander, Yasiru Ariyawansha, Deemal Thilakarathne, Dilshad Thomas, Dinusha Pieris, Akash Fernando, Nisith Kumarasinghe, Mohommed Asri, Manusha Silva, Dinodh Wijerathne, Dehan Watagoda, Shrayan Satheeskumar, Hamza Abdeen, Dimuth Wijekoon, Ravindu Keshan, Dev Karavita, Shabeer Ahamed, Buwaneka Dissanayake, Menura Wijekoon
Backs – Anuhas Kodituwakku (Captain), Shan Althaf, Rushen Bandaranayake , Sachindu Wanasekara, Upek Gammudali, Tarathra Abayanayake, Mohommed Waqidh Ali, Ammaar Manzil, Dasula Wijesiri, Gagan Herath, Usmaan Safraz, Minula Yaddehige, Janindu Ishara, Avishka Jayasekara, Matheesha Abeysundara, Ramindu Wanasingha, Udaan Wijekoon, Ridma Nimneth, Yevan Hulangamuwa, Udeesha Rathnayake, Murad Raizan, Isindu Munasinghe
Fixtures
- Vs S. Thomas’ College – 15th June at Pallekelle
- Vs D.S Senanayake College – 22nd June at Havelock Park
- Vs Sri Sumangala College – 30th June at Bogambara Stadium
- Vs Dharmaraja College – 6th July at Pallekelle
- Vs Isipathana College – 13th July at Havelock Park
- Vs St. Anthony’s College – 19th July at Pallekelle
- Vs Science College – 27th July at Air Force Grounds
