Zahira College, one of the pioneer schools in the country to play rugby commencing from 1924, will look to regain their past glory with the support of Phoenix who has come forward to be the main sponsor of the team this year.
Apart from them KFC will be the Food partner along with RBN the clothing partner of the team. With a rich history of over 93 years, the school has been in the forefront dominating the sport in the schools arena in the 1960’s in which it was able to emerge the league champions in 1962.
Since then it was a gradual decline for Zahira without annexing any major titles under her belt but was marking her presence in the top league. However, the major title they secured in the recent history is the President’s Cup championship in 1998. Playing in Division 2 in 2016, the team was promoted to Division 1 after finishing in the top four of the plate division. The team also made a big impact at the Sri Lanka Super 7’s Tournament last year with a sterling performance beating St. Thomas and St. Peters and emerged 3rd place in the 2nd leg.
Zahira looking to recreate glory of yesteryear
Blast from the past One of the four frontrunner schools in the country to take up the sport..
This year the team will be led by Azhar Irfan, a 5th year player. Playing as a powerful second-row forward, he looks forward to an excellent season, with a set of experienced and power packed team mates. The team is coached by former Isipathana, CR & FC and National player/coach Shamly Nawaz. Seeded in Division 2, he was instrumental in molding the team to take to Division 1 this year with his professional approach of coaching.
He is well supported by officials of the school which include Chairman Board of Governors Fouzul Hameed, Principal Trizviiy Marikkar, Chairman of Sports Council M.S. Mazeer, Chairman of Rugby Committee Riza Abdeen and Prefect of Games M. Mushiseen Ariff.
