Isipathana College have won all their 6 matches during the 2014 season up to now and their No.8 machine gun Omalka Gunaratne has scored 6 tries in as many games, which has been the opulence for an exciting season for the Green Machine. The 90kg Omalka Gunaratne shared his inspiring success story with ThePapare.com.
How did you start your Rugby career?
I started my rugby journey when I was in grade 5 playing for the under 12 Isipathana team. I have represented Isipathana in under 14, 16, 18 and 1st XV as well. This is my 2nd season playing for the 1st XV team and I have captained our college in the age groups of under 14, 16 and 18.
How was the support you got from your Family?
I started to play rugby because of my Father. He’s the one who gave the rugby ball to my hand and told me to play rugby. Since then he has been behind me and motivating me to become who I am today. My mother gives me all what I need and the support I get from my parents is exceptional.
What are the feelings and emotions of representing Isipathana College rugby team?
It’s a great prestige to represent Isipathana College because our school is renowned to be a great rugby playing school so it’s an honor donning the green jersey and play for Isipathana College. I’m proud to say it’s the best feeling ever. I can go where ever and proudly say that I’m a rugby player from Isipathana College.
How do you describe the current 2014 Isipathana 1st XV rugby team?
We have a very good balanced team this year. Our forwards are equally good as our backs and most of the players are very experienced playing their 3rd or 4th seasons. We have the talent and skills to become the champions and we all have the same target in our minds.
Isipathana is an unbeaten team this season. What are your thoughts on the 2nd round?
We want to play the same way like we did in the 1st round. We want to be the unbeaten league champions of 2014. We will go to our destination by winning every game. We will not take any team lightly as all the teams we will be facing in 2nd round are equally good. We are looking forward for that challenge.
What is your most memorable moment/achievement in rugby?
Winning the under 18 all island tournament in 2013 was a terrific moment in my rugby career and then I represented Sri Lanka under 18s team last year for the Asian Youth Games in Nanjing. It was a great honor to play for my country.
What do you think about the present standards of rugby in Sri Lanka?
Standards have improved remarkably compared to the past. Foreign players are playing for Clubs and there are so many opportunities for the players to make a living on rugby.
What is your daily program like? How do you take your daily meals?
Well, I start my day by going to school early morning and after school I attend for practice sessions with my team. After practices, I attend individual classes at home. We have three gym sessions for a week and three practice sessions every week. I give a lot of attention to my meals as well and thanks to my mother, I eat healthy food every day. Every rugby player must prioritize on having healthy and nutritional food.
How do you prepare yourself before a game?
On a match day, I wake up on usual time and watch a movie or listen to music in order to relax my mind and concentrate on the game. I drink a lot of water and nutritional fluids which are very essential before a game.
Who is your favorite rugby player?
I have two favorite players in Richie McCaw and Kieran Read. Both players are very aggressive and they give 200% every time they play a game of rugby and that is exactly what I want to do when I put on my rugby boots and play the oval-shaped ball game. Both New Zealanders are fighting leaders and they inspire me all the time.
How does rugby affect your studies?
Rugby does affect my studies but I always try to balance both. I believe if you really have the will to do your studies while playing rugby, it is very much possible.
What is your goal in rugby after this season?
I have another year to play for my College and I am intending on giving my best next year as well and bring glory to my school. After that, I would like to play club rugby and represent Sri Lanka at the highest level one day.
What is the motto of your life?
I love Isipathana rugby very much that my life’s motto is “Believe in Green blood”.
What are your future plans beyond rugby?
Rugby will always be on top of my list but I would like to travel abroad and pursue my higher studies.
Finally, any words of gratitude?
Firstly, I would like to give my appreciation to my parents, my brother, my sister and all my relatives. I would like to thank my junior coaches in Mr. Kishan Weththasinghe and Mr. Bandara for teaching me the basics of rugby. I would like to give my gratitude to our school principal, master in charge, Isipathana rugby committee and to our loving manager, Shaminda Gallage. My under 18 coach, Shamly Nawas is another name I would like to mention for his guidance. Our two present coaches; Nilufer Ibrahim and Anuranga Walpola have supported me immensely to be an impact player this season. Dinesh Kumara is our conditioning trainer and he has assisted me to maintain my fitness and strength levels. Lastly, I would like to thank all the Isipathana rugby fans for cheering our team.
ThePapare.com thanks Omalka Gunarathne for his time and wishes him the very best in his future endeavours!
