The most significant individual of any side is the coach. The Dialog rugby league has ten A division sides which posses top level coaches and illustrated here is a two part articulation of their credentials.
Paulo Kaho – Havelocks SC
It will be a tough task for Tongan player cum coach Paulo Kaho integrate into Sri Lanka’s domestic rugby structure in a hurry. After last year’s success that Havelocks SC managed to achieve when defending champions overthrew the Kandyan dominance by winning the league after 30 years under the guidance of Tavita Tulgaese ‘Laga’, it is definitely a huge responsibility that Kaho has been given.
However, the Tongan who has had playing experience in the upper echelons of the Tongan rugby structure, and having represented the country in games against powerhouses such as Italy and Canada, Kaho definitely possesses the necessary skill and experience to compete with the best.
Kaho who will also fill in at the crucial No. 08 position will undoubtedly marshal the troops both in and out of the field. His contribution will be very interesting as the league progresses as Havelocks SC will undoubtedly go all guns blazing towards defending the title.
Ben Macdougall – Army SC
Army SC has become one of the most unpredictable sides under the stewardship of Ben Macdougall who is currently in his second season as head coach of the club. His contributions have revitalized Army SC as a whole as they proved to be real ‘giant killers’ in the league.
Macdougall, who was born in Australia, and played both Rugby League and Rugby Union at domestic level, also went on to represent the Scotland National team. Making his debut against Wales in 2006 at the Millenium Stadium, Macdougall who plays centre has been exposed to the highest level in world rugby today.
However, a second season will definitely mean that progress will be expected from Army SC, but with the success achieved last year, it will be extremely important for the Club to continue with the momentum rather than slipping down.
Chandana Ravihansa – Airforce SC
Hailing from Isipathana College, Chandana Ravihansa is no stranger to rugby in Sri Lanka. Having lead his school team towards winning the first treble in 1985, Ravihansa established himself as a talented player.
First joining the Air force in 1986, Ravihansa went on to captain his team in 1992 and 2001. He also represented Sri Lanka in the Asian Games and the Tour of England in 1986. After hanging up his boots, Ravihansa continued to contribute to Air force Rugby as the Secretary of the Rugby segment in 2010.
Ravihansa took a step forward in 2012 as the Head Coach of his former team where he has continued to serve for two successive seasons. He will also take over the reins as the Head Coach of Isipathana College next year as well.
