Son of a Ex-captain, Sandul Gammanpila to lead the Double Blues
This year Wesley outfit has placed the trust on the second generation of the past rugby players. Fourth year player Sandul Gammanpila will lead the formidable Double Blues lineup in the upcoming rugby season. Most importantly Sandul is a proud son of veteran Wesley ruggerite, Asanka Gammanpila who led the Wesley rugby team way back in 1998. Sandul is a powerful No 08 player with vast experience, who is renowned for his blistering hits on opponents and for his pure power in breakdowns and maul situations.
>>Meet the captains who are battling for a single crown<<
Further Abdul Haadhi was appointed as a co-vice captain and Haadhi’s father Sameeul Aleem captained the double blues in 1999. Further Abdul is possessed with magnificent kicking abilities and running skills which allows him to be a competent player in both Fly Half and Full Back positions.
The other co-vice captain is the powerful and towering second row player Hasim Thabeeth. Significantly Hasim’s father was a part of Wesley Rugby team in 1995.
For the upcoming season Wesley boys will be coached by former Wesley, national player and the current Kandy Sports Clubs Forwards Coach Henry Terrence.
Vidyartha College eyes rugby glory under the captaincy of Praveen
After having a pretty good season in 2024, there is no doubt that Vidyartha Rugby is seeking for a better season in 2025. To achieve the uphill task, the tigers brigade will be led by Three Quarter player, Praveen de Mel. During last season he was impressed with his lightning speed and smart sidesteppings. Vidyartha College is optimistic that his inspirational leadership both on and off the pitch will embark a golden chapter in their college rugby.
Meanwhile Pasindu Rajapakshe will be the vice-captain of the College. Pasindu is a multiskilled player who can play as a Flanker and Three Quarter as well. Further Pasindu’s unwavering resilience in the defence will immensely contribute to the success of Vidyartha Rugby in this year.
In addition to that, the Tigers will be training under the experienced guidance of former Kingswoodian, National player and National rugby sevens coach Nilfer Ibrahim who is capable of synergising the talents of youths to a trophy victory
Hill country Eagles will be steered by Omitha
There is no doubt that the St. Anthony’s college Katugastota will be thriving for a better finish this year after a season to forget. For the uphill battle Omitha Dissanayake has been appointed to lead the eagles. Omitha who plays at the Full Back and Ffly Half positions is an excellent kicker who also excelled with running skills. Omitha is known as a good game reader and his decision making ability will inspire teammates under pressure to achieve excellence.
Apart from him Randeer Perera will be a co – vice captain, a dynamic player who has the ability to play in Center and fly half positions who can make an impact to the game as a fierce tackler. Ravindu Gregory will be the other co-vice captain and the pack leader for St. Anthonys College. Hs also a versatile player who can handle the game as a No. 08 or as a Flanker.
Former Vidyartha / Trinity College, Kandy SC, Havelock SC Head Coach and national player Saliya Kumara is assigned with a new duty to train Antonians.
St. Thomas’ to be led by Venuka Wikramasooriya
St. Thomas’ College, which has a rich tradition in school rugby, is much confident in this year specially after a great run in previous season. Nippy Half Back, Venuka Wikramasooriya was given the responsibility of carrying the Mt. Lavinia side, to the glory of silverware in 2025. Venuka is known as a good decision maker under tense situations apart from his athleticism.
Further the power house Center Three-Quarter Saneshka Liyanagunawardana will be the vice captain of the team. Well-wishers of the college believe that the combination of Venuka and Seneshka bonded by the team work will escalate Thomians Rugby to greater heights.
Former Isipathana and national player Anuranga Walpola will guide the team for another year as the Head Coach
