Former Isipathana full-back Chamod Fernando bagged the all-important Schoolboy Rugby Player of the Year award at the Singer Rugby Awards for 2017 that took place yesterday (25).

The Singer Rugby Awards organized by Singer Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) saw the high flyers and teams felicitated of 2017 for their achievements during the season. The event was graced by the secretary to the Ministry of Education, Sunil Hettiarachchi and had the participation of notable dignitaries in the rugby arena.

Photo Album – Singer Schools Rugby Awards 2017

The concluded season had nearly 100 teams partaking across three divisions and the winners in each of the divisions were awarded with their respective silverware. In addition to the team awards, individual awards were given to the top performers of the past season.

Royal College Colombo bagged the highest prize on offer, winning the Cup Championship in the Division I ‘A’ tournament while St. Anthony’s College Kandy were adjudged Plate champions.  In similar fashion, awards were given out to the respective Shield and Bowl winners in each of the divisions.

Singer Schools Rugby League – Cup Champions pose with their trophy

This year’s awards ceremony featured five special awards that included the Most Popular Schools’ Rugby Player and the Most Popular Schools’ Rugby Team based on a vote. The other prizes that were on offer were the awards for the Top Try Scorer, Best Placekicker and the Schoolboy Rugby Player of the Year.

It was Aabid Cader of S. Thomas’ College who bagged the award for the Most Popular Schools’ Rugby Player while his team S. Thomas’ were named the Most Popular Schools’ Rugby Team.

Most Popular Schools Rugby Player – Aabid Cader of S. Thomas’ Mount Lavinia

For his efforts in scoring 14 tries throughout the season, Royal College’s Hamza Reeza won the Top Try Scorer award. In the Best Place Kicker category it was a tough call with Zahira’s Zaid Sinhawansa collecting 64 points and Shaqir Nawfer of Royal College having 67 under his name. Taking into consideration the fact that certain schools have played one game less, it was decided to go on average points per game and it was Zaid Sinhawansa who claimed the prize.

Hamza Reeza scored 14 tries which is 1.4 tries per game; the highest by any player
Zaid Sinhawansa was often the match winner for Zahira in the concluded season

It was a tough decision when it came to the Schoolboy Rugby Player of the Year where there were several notable players who showcased exceptional talent over the season. There were several aspects that were taken into consideration and notable nominees were Wesley’s Avishka Lee, Royal’s Hamza Reeza and Trinity’s Aveesha Piyankara.

However, in recognition of his performance and his contribution throughout the season it was the Isipathana College fullback Chamod Fernando who was adjudged the Schoolboy Rugby Player of the Year.

Chamod Fernando (L) receiving his award from the Secretary to the Ministry of Education Sunil Hettiarachchi

Addressing the occasion, Secretary to the Minister of Education Sunil Hettiarachchi applauded Singer Sri Lanka’s contribution to the sport and added that rugby needs to have national representation in the junior levels of under 18 and under 20 since it is now recognized as an Olympic sport.

“I thank the masters in charge and Principals for their support as well as the coaches who are adapting to the new techniques, strategies that come. They have given their fullest cooperation and I thank all the coaches who have done a tremendous effort for the school system” added President of the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) B. A. Abeyrathne.

“Last year we introduced citing and the Television Match Official (TMO). This year too we will look at improving the game and hope to have a successful season ahead” he further added.

The Schools Rugby League season for 2018 will commence on the 3rd of March 2018.

Full list of Awards:

DIVISION III

  • Division III – Segment 1B – Runner Up     Panduwasnuwara MV Panduwasnuwara
  • Division III – Segment 1B – Champions    Sir John Kothalawala MV Kurunegala
  • Division III – Segment 2A – Runner Up     Mahanama Navodya MV Panadura
  • Division III – Segment 2A – Champions   Thomas’ Preparatory School
  • Division III – Segment 1A – Runner Up     Dehiovita National School Dehiovita
  • Division III – Segment 1A – Champions   Ruwanwella Central College

 DIVISION II

  • Division II – Plate Championship – Runner Up     Vidyaloka MV Galle
  • Division II – Plate Championship – Champions   Sri Rahula College Katugasthota
  • Division II – Cup Championship   – Runner Up     Carey College Colombo
  • Division II – Cup Championship  – Champions   Anne’s College Kurunegala

DIVISION I

  • Division I – Shield Championship – Runner Up     Nalanda College Colombo
  • Division I – Shield Championship – Champions   Aloysius’s College Galle
  • Division I – Bowl Championship – Runner Up     Maliyadeva College Kurunegala
  • Division I – Bowl Championship – Champions   Ananda College Colombo
  • Division I – Plate Championship – Runner Up     Dharmaraja College Kandy
  • Division I – Plate Championship – Champions    Anthony’s College Kand
  • Division I – Cup Championship – Runner Up     Isipathana College
  • Division I – Cup Championship – Champions   Royal College

SINGER – Most Popular Schools’ Rugby Team of the year 2017
S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia

SINGER – Most Popular School Boy Rugby Player of the year 2017
Aabid Cader – S.Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia

SINGER Schools’ Rugby League 2017 – Best Place Kicker
Zaid Sinhawansa – Zahira College , Colombo 10

SINGER Schools’ Rugby League 2017 – Best Try Scorer of the Year 2017
Hamza Reeza – Royal College

SINGER League 2017 – School Boy Ruggerite of the Year 2017
Chamod Fernando – Isipathana College

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