By: Shamil Amit

(Daily Mirror) - Isipathana College dubbed the Kings of Schools Rugby who had to be satisfied to play second fiddle last season in both the league and knockout segments have made enormous preparations and are ready for the Under 19 schools rugby title challenge to face the forthcoming schools rugby season scheduled to be kicked off from this week.

Isipathana last year though coming out as the second best team had a successful stint as they underwent defeats to the same opponent St. Peter’s in both the finals and this time around led by burly No 8 Nisaja Dunith they will be coming into the games with utmost confidence.

Spearheaded by former Sri Lanka player Saliya Kumara who is in his first year as coach guided them to
double title champions in 2022 and they for sure are going to be the side for their opponents to beat and skipper Nisaja has in his ranks experience and senior players in the likes of deputy skipper and fly half Shaahid Zumri, Kalindu Silva, Geasndu Benthotage, Kenula Mihisara, Kaveen Tharusha, Lasitha Nilipul and Dinada Thinul whom will be players to make note of. However coach Saliya Kumara is confident and optimistic that the boys will deliver the goods and their aim will be to regain the titles they conceded to St. Peter’s. Isipathana has the proud record of having bagged the triple title for five years in, 1986, 1992, 1997, 1999 and 2014 and it’s left to be seen, with school rugby very competitive, whether they could achieve their target.

Isipathana will kick off the season on June 15 with the clash against debutants to top division Sri Sumangala, Kandy at Havelock Park and the other six matches are scheduled to be played in Colombo
with four in their home ground Havelock Park.

Isipathana College Rugby Pool 2024: (Forwards)

Nisaja Dunith (Capt), Kaveen Tharusha, Kenula Mihisara, Lasitha Nilipul, Tehan Ranaweera, Sethum Rajapakse, Thrinethra Dodangoda, Abdul Ahamed, Shaakib Zumri, Kaveen Irosh, Lahiru Sandeepa, Nevith Meunaka, Naveed Thahir, Sanuja Sanuth, Demitha Wijesekera, Litthuka Mansilu.

Backs

Shaahid Zumri (V. Capt), Kalindu Silva, Dinanda Thinul, Gesandu Benthotage, Abdullah Faizer, Sithupa Bometh, Avishka Hiran, Samiru Disas, Adithya Madushan, Abdul Azeez, Nimantha Sandeepa, Methupa Bimsath, Kaveed Geethathma, Rizmy Jafrad, Shevin Peiris, Sajith Samsudeen, Thenula Dewmitha.

Head Coach – Saliya Kumara. Forward Coach – Dhanushka Boteju. Trainer – Hashan Gomez. Manager – Rehan Massadiq. Master in Charge – Sumeda Premasiri

League Fixtures:

• June 15 vs Sri Sumangala Kandy at Havelock Park
• June 23 vs Science College at Ratmalana
• June 29 vs Dharmaraja at Havelock Park
• July 6 vs S. Thomas’ at Havelock Park
• July 13 vs Trinity at Havelock Park
• July 21 vs DSS at Sugathadasa Stadium
• July 27 vs St. Anthony’s at Nittawela