After a disappointing 6th place finish from last year, a revamped Trinity College 1st XV are on the lookout for a resurrection as they look to start the new season afresh with intentions of finishing their 111th year in the sport on a high note.
Blast from the past
One of the front-runners in Sri Lanka schools rugby, the lions from the hill-country have had an illustrious story in the oval ball sport ever since the sport was introduced to the institution in 1906. Ever since then, the school on the hills has been an active contributor to the national grid producing notable alumni such as Inthi Marikkar, Sean Wijesinghe and Pradeep Basnayaka to name a few.
Trinity’s accelerated pace from 2011 took a small detour last season but the Rahul Karunathilake led side almost had their hands on the coveted Bradby Shield that finally ended as a draw.
Players to look out for
Nathan Yee: Wearing the prestigious Red, Gold & Blue jersey for the fifth consecutive occasion, Nathan will be shouldering the responsibility of the captaincy duties this year. The coloursman who has played all his life in the front row has graduated to the third row and will be the team’s #8.
Diluksha Dange: The Sri Lanka Under 18 Sevens cap, Diluksha Dange will be the other important utility for the side. Playing his third season, Dange is expected to play a dynamic role in the three-quarter line with him playing at Center this season. The speedster will be looking to team up with the back line to get the maximum advantage.
Anuka Boyagoda: Trinity’s consistent scrum-half has been a delight to watch in the past two seasons. His nippy footwork and the quick reflexes have always brought something exciting to the game. Having worn the junior Tusker’s jersey last season for the under 18 sevens, Boyagoda will be Trinity’s key anchor at scrum half marshalling the players back and forth.
Naween Rajaratnam: The center for Trinity College, who will be playing his third season for the side, will be expecting to pair up with Diluksha Dange for the year. Known for his aggression in the three-quarters, Rajaratnam will be expected to play a mature role this time with as Trinity College looks to make progress.
Coaching staff
The team this time will be under the authority of the former All Blacks sevens represent Lote Raikabula who has his first stint in the country in the position of coach. Along with Raikabula, Buddhika Abeysinghe will be the team’s assistant coach. Navindra Dayan will re-join Trinity as their trainer..
“Regardless of the result, Trinity should be happy about the brand of rugby they play. I look to take the team to that standard and not look at the results. If we achieve that, the results will come” Lote Raikabula added.
Squad 2017
