The stage is set for another blistering schools rugby season, as Royal College look to battle it out at the helm in an extremely competitively poised league this season.
Last year the boys from Reid Avenue, came very close to defending the title which was won in 2011 under the captaincy of Shehan Pathirana. However, the Royalists lost steam towards the end of the season succumbing to Isipathana and Trinity, also failing to bring back the Bradby Shield to Reid Avenue.
Royal College has been quite a formidable force in schools rugby, and has been enormously consistent in the past decade or so, having won the schools league unbeaten twice in the last 5 years.
Pre-Season
The Royalists have so far performed fairly well in their pre-season exploits, having beaten Nalanda College 92-0 in their last warm up game, definitely boosting the confidence within the team. However, they would be disappointed with their performance in the recently concluded U-20 7s Tournament where they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Dharmaraja College.But 15-a- side rugby, is definitely a different ball game.
Yohan Taylor appointed as Rugby Director
South African born Yohan Taylor who coached Kandy SC to five consecutive league victories was appointed as the Head Coach and Rugby Director of Royal College this season. He will be assisted by two former head coaches, Bilal Yusuf and Asanga Rodrigo and also veteran national player and former CR& FC captainDushyanthLewke. Taylor who is an IRB Level 3 qualified coach will definitely have a huge impact on the Royal team this year as we await the start of the season.
Rimze Jamaldeen to Lead
The boys from Reid Avenue will be captained by the brilliant RimzeJamaldeen who has been quite a revelation in the past few seasons. Jamaldeen will be remembered for his exploits in the 2010, Bradby Shield 1st Leg at Bogambara for his noteworthy contribution in terms of two swashbuckling tries. Rimze, speaking to ThePapare.Com stated that this year, the team does not have any stars, but they will work together as one unit, with their main aim being regaining the coveted Bradby Shield.
Shuayb Muthaliph and Co. to power the Forwards
Royal College have continued to field a solid set of forwards every season. Having lost two important players in Eroshan de Alwis and Lahiru Pavithra, this year’s forwards set have lot to prove. However, ShuaibMuthaliph along with Kaveen Perera and Ashan Bandara will share their experience along with YasuonWeerasooriya who is an extremely dependable flanker.
Fresher Shaheer Haniffa will be a player to watch out for as he has been a consistent performer in the younger age categories, and will be a threatening force in the Royal attack. The new IRB rule which enforces a scrum to the opposing team if the ball is withheld for over 5 seconds at the back of the ruck will be interesting especially considering the Royal game plan, which has been ‘forward’ heavy in the past few years. DinethKarunarathne, ManushAbeykoon and Pasindu Perera are also a few players that could turn the tables for Royal this season.
Nimshan and Rimze spearhead the line
The skipper RimzeJamaldeen will take over the kicking boots. Having shown his class with the boot last year when he had to replace ArshadJamaldeen at flyhalf, Rimze will definitely look to be on top of his game.
Azman Khan, NimshanJayawardene and Bhanuka Rajapakshe will be a part of a strong Royal backline. Nimshan will definitely be a threat to any team, as his blistering pace is not often matched on the field. The youngster, Bhanuka will also look to improve his performances from last year, having three more years of rugby left in his career.
Nevaan Perera will most probably take up the role as scrum half, and will be key in switching the play and calling shots especially when the Royalists have possession.
Conclusion
As Rimze mentioned, the Royal outfit this year does not have many ‘big’ names involved, and comparatively to recent teams is less experienced. However, there Schools Rugby League brings out the best in players, and stars could be made this year, as the Royalists will hope to bring back the Bradby Shield to Reid Avenue, and also look at grabbing the league title. Fitness and injuries will play a key role in how the season progresses and also the expertise of Taylor will be immense, as Rimze will look to lead his boys to victory.
ThePapare wishes the team a successful season ahead.
