Police snap up Manilka Ruberu

By Harsha Amarasinghe and Sandun Kodithuwakku

Police Sports Club has snapped up Isipathana College captain Manilka Ruberu ahead of the upcoming inter-club league rugby tournament as they face stiff challenge to hold on to last season's second-place finish, with CH & FC and Navy Sports Club considerably strengthening their squads.

The Sri Lanka junior national starlet has been recognized as one of the brightest youngsters coming through the school season having captained Isipathana College twice during his inter-school career. The centre could form a deadly back-line with the Sri Lanka sevens duo Sachith Silva and Iroshan Silva.

Police remarkably secured nine wins out of 14 matches in the last season as their backline entertained the crowds with some mesmerizing rugby, but it was always felt that they needed requirements to their aging pack. Hence, the Cops have signed St. Peter’s second rower Dayan Fernando and former Royal forward Lahiru Thilakaratne who will certainly boost a forward pack that includes some very senior members such as Rasith Silva, Shanaka Harishchandra and Udara Sooriyapperuma.

St. Joseph’s College captain Rashane Gunawardane has also been signed by Police Sports Club and the young scrum-half will make a strong case for a starting position following his sensational performances over the last few years in inter-school rugby.

Police has added more firepower to the back as they have completed a deal to secure Science College’s centre Akash Madushanka.