Let’s take a closer look at the Royal College Rugby team competing in the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2024.
History
Royal College has become a powerhouse in the School’s Rugby arena in Sri Lanka, holding the record for most league titles. In 2019, they achieved a remarkable three-peat championship victory, highlighting their consistent excellence.
Royal College’s rugby legacy is one of unwavering determination, fierce rivalry, and consistent championship wins, solidifying its position as a Sri Lankan school rugby powerhouse.
>>Photos – Royal College 1st XV Rugby Preview 2024<<
Royal College’s rugby journey began in 1916, making them early adopters of the sport in Sri Lanka. their arch-rivals Trinity College dominating for nearly two decades after their first encounter in 1920.
However, Royal persevered, scoring their first points in 1924 and finally securing their first win in 1941. Royal has since claimed numerous victories, with the 1951 team under coach M.T. Thambapillai etching their name in history as one of the greatest, achieving a clean sweep against Trinity in the Bradby Shield. In 2023, Royal College secured the runners-up tag in the Dialog Schools Rugby League.
Current Outfit
The team geometry of Royal Rugby is looking quite impressive as they are a young side with a lot of experience from previous seasons. Most of the pack will play their last season this year, so they will be looking forward to their best season.
The back line is mixed with a solid young and experienced combination that will add beauty and finesse to the game strategy of Tuskers, where the backs will back up the forward powerhouse to make a stunning comeback this season.
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Almost 12 plus seniors are playing from last season and a few freshers have come in as well, to get prepared with a lot of experience for the upcoming seasons.
Players to Watch out for
Skipper Thivain Perera who was one of the top points scorers for Royal College last year will once again play an important role highlighting his powerful runs and clutch kicking skills, along with his natural leadership qualities, this player will be a major asset for the Tuskers in their quest for championship glory in 2024.
>>Trinity College Rugby – A force to reckon in 2024<<
The Vice-Captains for Royal College, Buwaneka Senanayake, and Yehan Weerasooriya will lead the pack with their height advantage which could be very decisive in lineouts. Afeef Akram, who scored plenty of tries from the hooker position last season will also look to add to his try-scoring prowess.
The likes of Nabeel Yahiya, Disas Pathirana, and Simak Shafeek will have major roles to play in the backline.
Coaches
Dushanth Lewke with his tactical mind and unwavering dedication will once again look to mould a champion side as the Head Coach of the Royal Rugby 1st XV team.
Along with Lewke, Radhika Hettiarachchi will function as the Assistant/Backs coach whilst Ajith Silva will serve as the kicking coach. The team manager will be Thomas Paul for another season.
Expectations for the Season
Securing the League title, which was eluded from Royal’s grasp in the past couple of seasons, will be their biggest aim for the season along with retaining the Bradby Shield for yet another year. Clinching crunch games and moments will be crucial for Royal’s aspirations of becoming a champion team in 2024.
Full Squad
Forwards – Buwaneka Senanyake (Vice Captain), Yehan Weerasooriya (Vice Captain), Binuda Malalagama, Okitha Mudunkotawa, Akira Yatawara, Raaid Mawsoof, Imthisal Nazeer, Pabsara Samarkoon, Yoshitha Jayasekara, Thineth Gamage, Abdur Rahman, Naasir Haniffa, Afeef Akram, Ayyash Shiyam, Gesandu Wijewardana, Naqeeb Mohamed, Ramiru Weerasooriya, Seyyed Althaf
Backs – Thivain Perera (Captains), Simak Shafeek, Nabeel Yahiya, Idris Farook, Amika Samarasinghe, Methuka Wickramaratne, Shaahid Mohideen, Savistha Fernando, Disas Pathirana, Samith Nimanka, Pevindan Panneerselvam, Hiruka Jayadinu, Fahad Nazar, Khyan De Silva, Didula Jayasuriya, Senuja Ranasinghe, Yuwan Nisalitha, Thivain Lakdiv
Fixtures
- Vs Kingswood College – 15th June at Royal Complex
- Vs Vidyartha College – 23rd June at Nittawela Stadium
- Vs Zahira College – 29th June at Zahira Grounds
- Vs Thurstan College – 06th July at Air Force Grounds
- Vs Wesley College – 12th July at Havelock Park
- Vs St. Joseph’s College – 19th July at Havelock Park
- Vs St. Peter’s College – 27th July at Royal Complex
