History
Kingswood College Kandy is known as the oldest Rugby playing school and has a proud history of 125 years in the game. Along with the establishment of the college in 1891, founder L.E Blaze introduced the oval ball game to the pearl of the Indian Ocean through Kingswood. Kingswood has produced hundreds of national players & coaches including the present national rugby Captain Fazil Marija. The very first game was played in the year 1906 against Trinity College Kandy. Kingswood plays Wesley College Colombo for “The Blaze trophy” in memory of the founder to whom they owe their history in the sport. Kingswoodians were able to be the Triple Champions for 3 consecutive years from 2003 to 2005 a time that is known as the golden era for Kingswood Rugby.
Last season
Reeza Raffaideen was a name spoken throughout the season. He was able to win a place in the national sevens team and also became the highest points scorer of the season. But as a team, their overall performance was very poor compared to the year 2014 in which they were placed 3rd in the table. Though the team for the year 2015 was technically impressive, they always had shabby endings with lots of freshers wearing the 1st XV jersey for the very first time.
This Season
With lot of hope in bringing back glory to Randles hill on their 125th anniversary the coaching staff & old boys are pretty confident with the players in the squad, who have playing experience from last year. A great advantage would be the fact that the team comprises of 12 players who represented the team last season.
Sachinthana to lead the Kingswoodians.
5th year player Sachinthana will lead the Kingswood team for 2016. With ample experience having played over the past 5 years, he is known for his solid defense at the center position and will surely look to create a fairytale for Kingswood this season.
Speaking to ThePapare, Sachinthana expressed that the team is looking to tackle the season one game at a time without putting too much pressure on themselves.
Players to watch
Senesh Kawshika, the short and stout #8 will lead the Kingswood forwards with power and agility and along with last year’s experience, he will definitely be an asset to the Kingswoodians.
Heshan Jansen scrum half and captaining a champion team which clinched the under 18 7’s in 2015, he will no doubt make an impact.
Kasun Wijesooriya, Akila Madushanka & Virochana Chamara will accompany Senesh Kawshika to strengthen the pack this season too.
Imesh Siriwardana, Mohommed Rishad and Tharindu Oshada will team up as the backs and will look to support their captain in his runs.
Ananda Kasthuriarachchi to consult with Coach Chamara Withanage
Kastro , former Kandy SC fly half and captain, he is also IRB level 3 qualified coach and delivered many coaching programs around Asia. Withanage was a dashing sprinter who played for Kandy, Havelock’s and CR&FC.
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