Inaugural Old Boys Rugby Match – S Thomas’ Prep School vs S Thomas’ College, Mt Lavinia
“Having played for Sri Lanka in both 15’s and 7’s his accomplishments as a rugby star were unquestionable. However, as great as such achievements were, they were far exceeded by the loving son, brother, uncle and devout friend he truly was.”
– Jivan Goonetilleke
STC Rugby Captain 2001 & Present STC Coach
“Wasim was always trying to achieve more, achieve the impossible in everything he did. The truth was nothing was impossible for him. He kept raising the bar in life but he never left anyone behind. “
– Asfan Thajudeen, Brother
It is just over two years since the passing away of Wasim Thajudeen; a player, a gentleman, a fighter, yet nothing can form a dent in the reminiscence of someone with such a zest for life. With Wasim’s extraordinary talent in rugby, his memory lives strong with teammates, opponents and all those who were lucky enough to know him personally.
In honour of a beautiful life lived, his mates, the Old Boys of S Thomas’ Prep School and S Thomas’ College Mt Lavinia have initiated a most appropriate event to commemorate this great soldier of rugby – A rugby match between the old boys of S Thomas’ Prep and S Thomas’ Mt Lavinia.
Wasim displayed immense talent from his younger years and moved from S. Thomas’ Prep School and exploded in to the Mount Lavinia 1st XV team with his raw skills and kicking expertise. Blessed with a golden boot, Thajudeen kicked with pin-point accuracy, threading the needle during many crunch games for his alma mater. The marvel three-quarter was supremely versatile and played in many positions in the backline, however favoured and excelled in the number Ten position in most seasons.
Wasim played with a lot of conviction and displayed true professionalism leaving no stone unturned during the 80 minutes of play. In full flight Wasim was a sight for sore eyes; he stepped, danced and sprinted his way to club rugby after dominating the school season during his last year. The transition from school to club rugby was smooth as Wasim displayed all the characteristics of a complete player as he represented Havelock’s SC and went on to captain the side during his club career. He also won the prestigious Most Popular ruggerite trophy in 2008 which in itself evidences the popular and loving figure that was Wasim Thajudeen. The six foot plus three-quarter then accomplished yet another milestone turning out for his country in both the 7s and 15s forms of the game before injury cut short his promising career.
The Old Thomian Rugby Football Union (OTRFU) along with Ex-Thomian Rugby Players from years 1999 to 2003 join to host this event on Saturday, 30th August 2014 at the Havelocks Sports Club.
The event will be worked off in two segments:
· Over 35 – 10 a side Rugby (tag)- for the OTRFU President’s Trophy – kick off at 5.30pm
· Under 35 – 15 a side Rugby (contact) – for the Wasim Thajudeen Memorial Trophy – kick off at 6.30pm
Wasim’s own family, those who loved him most and loved him best, will be in attendance as guests of honour. Over 90 old Thomians and Prepites will represent both schools and the game will be followed by a fellowship and dinner at the Havelocks Sports Club. The event is family-friendly with special activities for children.
Donations and funds raised from the event will go towards the development of Junior Rugby of the two schools – a passion that is felt will be closest to Wasim’s heart.
Fellow Thomians, Prepites, mates of all teams he has been a part of and rugby lovers in general – Join us on the Saturday, 30th August at the Havelock SC as we come together and smile upon a life lived most vigorously and honorably.
Please call Asfan on 0777225788, Jivan on 0773577123 or Dilhan on 0777328131 for more details.
