Dharmaraja College out to prove a point in 2024

Let’s take a closer look at the Dharmaraja College Rugby team that will be competing in the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2024.

History

Rajans Rugby has a very short history compared to many schools that play rugby. In that brief history, they clinched the trophy in just one big tournament in 2013 under Rochana Hettiarachchi. The batch of 2013 produced three brilliant Sri Lankan players: the well-known Buwenaka Udangamuwa, Thilina Wijesinghe, and the captain.

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Dharmaraja College has seen a resurgence in its rugby performance over the past decade compared to the 2000-2010s. However, in the past decade, Dharmaraja has managed to stand its ground in the A division of the Dialog Schools rugby league.

Current Outfit

Dharmaraja’s outfit shows much more promise in their ‘Forwards’ department, as they outweigh most of the packs. The pack has a few final-year polished third-row forwards. The backs are much younger compared to the forwards, hence they might be a touch nervous in the big games to come.

Players to Watch Out For

The current squad of close to 40 players at Dharmaraja College is captained by Nimsha Peiris, a third-year colorsman, mainly due to his energy and enthusiasm at Number Eight.

The team has two co-vice captains: Anjana Panahatipola and Kavinda Jayamanne. Panahatipola controls the defense at the first center position, while Kavinda Jayamanne plays as the tight-head prop.

Another player to look out for is second rower Prabudhika Madhushan, who has some pace to burn despite playing at Lock. Also, Kushan Mullegama at wing can evade many opponents with his speed and side-stepping ability.

Several young players, like Sadeesha Weerakoon and Sadeesha Weerawamsa, show promise in the Dharmaraja lineup with their ability to influence games while playing at Fly Half and Full Back, respectively.

Coaches

Dharmaraja was taken over by a new panel of personnel. Kavinda Jayasena, the former head coach at Trinity, switched over to the Rajans as Head Coach this season. Since then, they have maintained training and played a couple of practice matches in the pre-season. The Assistant Coach position has been filled by Thusitha De Silva, while Akalanka Wallege acts as the Trainer.

Expectations for the Season

Dharmaraja College’s expectations mainly depend on their first two matches against D.S. Senanayake College and Sri Sumangala College, and secondly on how they perform down in Colombo. They have three huge games in Colombo against S. Thomas’, Isipathana, and D.S. Senanayake. Rajans have three home games but also play an extra game in Kandy against Trinity at Pallekalle.

The team hopes to win the league ‘no matter what’ at this junction, but considering how difficult that is going to be, they might be satisfied to secure at least 4th place in their respective group. For Dharmaraja to make a tournament for themselves, their key players will need to step up in crucial moments, providing the team with the necessary edge in tight matches. However, stranger things have happened in rugby.

Full Squad

Forwards – Nimsha Peiris (Captain), Kavintha Jayamanna, Lasith Wijesooriya, Prabuddhika Madushan, Ravindu Wickramage, Waruna Wijesinghe, Kalana Jayawickrama, Vishnu Wickram, Uvindu Pallegama, Sasmika Fernando, Amitha Prasad, Shashika Sooriyaarachchi, Tharindu Ekanayake, Rishan Nugegoda, Dulkith Dias, Akalanka Abeygunawardana, Dulaksha Pawan

Backs – Anjana Panahatipola, Kushan Mullegama, Damsith Rathnayake, Sadeesha Weerawansha, Sadeesha Weerakoon, Ravindu Hector, Bihanga Yapa Bandara, Dumindu Rajapaksha, Gayan Samarathunga, Thenuka Hewage, Lakshitha Sampath, Kanchana Madushanka, Sandesh Konara, Thiwanka Jayasundara, Pawan Manodya, Sadeesha Bandara, Githma Rathnayake, Darshana Ekanayake, Janith Kulasekara

Fixtures

• Vs D.S Senanayake College – 15^th June at CR & FC Grounds
• Vs Sri Sumangala College – 23^rd June at Bogambara Stadium
• Vs Isipathana College – 29^th June at Havelock Park
• Vs Trinity College – 6^th July at Pallekelle
• Vs St. Anthony’s College – 14^th July at Bogambara Stadium
• Vs Science College – 21^st July at Bogambara Stadium
• Vs S. Thomas’ College – 28^th July at S. Thomas’ Grounds