Usman Shafraz leads Trinity in 2025
Trinity College Kandy Unveils Rugby Leadership for 2025
It is no surprise that Trinity College Kandy, the powerhouse of hill country rugby, has produced some of the finest rugby talents in the country. Recently, they unveiled their leaders for the upcoming school rugby season.
Third-year coloursman Usman Sarfaraz has been appointed captain of the Trinity Lions. As a center, he possesses both speed and power to bulldoze opponents. The college has placed its trust in him, optimistic that he will restore the school’s lost glory by ending the major trophy drought after nearly two decades.
Bradby star Shan Althaf, who famously nailed a 55-meter penalty to break Royal College’s dominance, has been named co-vice captain. Apart from his exceptional kicking abilities as a fly-half, Althaf is renowned for his lightning-fast pace and his ability to spot and exploit gaps in the defensive line.
The other co-vice captain, Nisith Kumarasinghe, is a dynamic forward with vast experience. Last season, he had an outstanding run as a flanker for the team.
The Trinity outfit will once again be coached by former national captain and veteran coach Fazil Marija.
Blistering Winger, Vinshenka appointed as the St. Peters rugby captain
Speedster Vishenka Silva has been entrusted with the responsibility of defending St. Peter’s College’s title in the upcoming season. Last year, he was the top try scorer in their championship-winning campaign, leading the Peterites to a double-crown victory.
The new Peterite skipper is not only known for his exceptional sprinting skills but also for his sharp game awareness and decision-making. As a wing three-quarter, he has built a reputation for his finishing ability.
Vishenka Silva is also a promising national player, having captained the Sri Lanka U-18 team in the Asia Rugby Division I Rugby 7s Tournament held in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, in September 2025. St. Peter’s First XV is hoping his international exposure will bring resilience and add strategic depth to the team.
Emith Jayaweera, a dynamic center with raw pace and power, has been appointed co-vice captain. The other co-vice captain, Shenuka Perera, is a tall and powerful lock-forward who can also play as No. 8.
Thinethra takes the leadership of “Green Machine”
Vice-captain of the Sri Lanka U-18 team, Thinethra Dodangoda, has been named captain of Isipathana College’s rugby team for the 2025 season. As a towering lock forward, he ensured Isipathana’s dominance in lineouts last season, which ultimately earned him a national U-18 call-up. His quick reactions and work ethic contributed significantly to ball turnovers during breakdowns.
Thinethra was a key player for the Sri Lanka U-18 team in the Asia Rugby Division I Rugby 7s Tournament in Malaysia, where they secured a bronze medal without losing a single game. He was also a major contributor to Isipathana’s victory in the 2024 Dialog Schools Rugby Knockouts President’s Trophy.
Isipathana College is optimistic that the “Green Machine,” under Thinethra’s leadership, will achieve what they narrowly missed last year.
Speedstar Luqman will steer Zahira Rugby in 2025
High-profile center Luqman Al Hakeem has been appointed captain of Zahira College’s rugby team for the 2025 season. His speed and exceptional side-stepping ability were instrumental in their victories against Vidyartha, Kingswood, and Thurstan Colleges.
Baba Mohamed Abdullah Hassan will serve as vice-captain. A versatile player, he can switch between the full-back and wing three-quarter positions. Known for his agility and strong kicking ability, he is expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming season.
With new leadership, Zahira Rugby is aiming for an improved finish in the upcoming season.
Hansa Indramal to lead Thurstan
Though small in size, Hansa Indramal plays with a huge heart. The nippy half-back has been entrusted with the captaincy of the Thurstan College rugby team for the 2025 season. As the team’s playmaker, his quick running skills also make him a capable wing three-quarter.
Vinuka Hejitha, a powerful front-rower who can play as both prop and hooker, has been appointed co-vice captain. The other co-vice captain, Esitha Apoorwa, is a versatile player who primarily serves as a lock forward but can also step into the fly-half role when needed.
Despite a rough season last year, the young Thurstan squad is determined to bounce back as a united team. They will be training under the experienced guidance of former national player and veteran coach Shamlie Nawaz.
