With less than a month until the curtain-raising match of the U-19 Schools Rugby season, one of the favorites in the school rugby arena, Royal College, has announced a strong leadership team.
Amika Samarasinghe has been appointed as the captain of Royal College for the Inter-Schools Under-19 Rugby season. Amika played a massive role in helping Royal secure a top-four finish in the 2024 league tournament. A natural back, he primarily plays as a winger but is also capable of slotting in as a center. Amika showcased his class by scoring five tries against neighboring Thurstan College. Additionally, he scored a crucial try against Trinity College in a tense battle, where Royal edged out the Lions 22-19.
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Fly-half Idris Farook has been appointed vice-captain. Idris made a remarkable impact with his kicking, outclassing their regular place-kicker, Nabeel Yahiya, in the latter part of the league. His exceptional kicking skills also propelled him to the top point-scorer position for Royal in the Bradby Shield 2025. Furthermore, Farook is a versatile player capable of covering any position in the backs division.
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Former Royal College, CR & FC, and Kandy SC player—coaching legend Dushanth Lewke—has been assigned as the head coach of the Royal Tuskers. After joining the Royal College coaching staff in 2012, Lewke was promoted to head coach in 2018. Since then, he has never looked back, leading Royal Rugby through a glorious run, winning multiple league titles and Bradby Shields.
Ajith Silva, the former national team’s regular place-kicker for years, will be responsible for the kicking training of the Royal side.
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Last year, the Royalists were unfortunate to finish as second runners-up in the league tournament, particularly due to a controversial last-minute penalty awarded against them in their match against Isipathana College. This time, the Royal Tuskers have every reason to seek redemption by outperforming their opponents and aiming for another championship title.
