To usher in a new era for local rugby, veteran coach Sanath Martis has been appointed as the head coach of the Sri Lankan national team for the upcoming Rugby World Cup qualifier repechage game against Malaysia. This match will be followed by two encounters against the touring New Zealand Under-85kg team. The Sri Lankan side is set to take the field against Malaysia on April 19th at the Race Course Grounds in Colombo. The first match of the New Zealand Under-85kg tour will take place on May 4th at the packed and vibrant Nittawela Grounds in Kandy, while the second leg will be held on May 10th at the Race Course Grounds in Colombo.
Under the guidance of Sanath Martis, Sri Lanka clinched the Asia Rugby Division I Championship last year, marking the Tuskers’ only major success in recent years amid World Rugby’s ban and administrative challenges. A well-known figure in Sri Lankan rugby, Martis is a former Isipathana, CR & FC, and national youth player who has elevated numerous teams in the local rugby arena. His latest achievement came when St. Peter’s College was crowned league champions last year. Additionally, as head coach of the young CH & FC side, he led them to victory in the Plate Championship of the Club Rugby League.
Former Royal, CR & FC, and Kandy SC player, as well as current Royal College head coach, Dushantha Lewke, has been assigned the role of Forwards Coach for the Tuskers. The son of rugby legend Nimal Lewke, he is no stranger to the national coaching panel, having previously served successfully in national coaching duties.
Saliya Kumara, a former Vidyartha, Trinity College, Kandy SC, and national player, and former head coach of Kandy SC and Havelock SC, will serve as the Backs Coach for the Sri Lankan side. Last year, he guided Isipathana College to runner-up finishes in both the League and Knockout tournaments before moving to St. Anthony’s College.
Former Isipathana and CR & FC player, and current CR & FC team manager, Rohan Chinthaka, has been appointed as the Team Manager for the World Cup qualifier game. Following this, he and Colonel Kapila Knowlton will serve as Co-Managers during the New Zealand Under-85kg tour. A former captain of Mahanama College and ex-Army player, Knowlton, along with Chinthaka, brings extensive experience, having handled similar duties in previous years. The team’s trainer, Tharaka Algama, recently had a remarkable season with Kandy SC.
Despite the appointment of an experienced coaching team and support staff, the Sri Lankan squad faces a significant challenge, as they have only a few weeks to prepare for the upcoming games, with the Clifford Cup 2025 knockout rounds still underway. However, since the players have been active in competition for over four months, the coaches will primarily focus on fine-tuning their skills and building chemistry among those who have represented different clubs.
The Director General of Sports, Prof. Shemal Fernando, who is also the Competent Authority for Sri Lanka Rugby, has placed full confidence in the coaching team and support staff. He believes this setup will provide the necessary guidance and expertise to bring out the best in the Tuskers, keeping alive Sri Lanka’s hopes of securing a place in the Rugby World Cup.
