The Dialog Schools Rugby Season 2025 is now complete. We’ve had some fantastic talent coming across over 100 games. Our expert panel of commentators gathered the talent and put together a starting XV, plus 10 finishers. Is this the Dream Team you’d pick too? Let’s have a look!
Picking a Team of the Season, after the kind of games we’ve had, is no easy task.
It’s bound to spark mixed views and heated debates. People have their own biases, different ways of watching the game, and varying ideas on what a team needs to execute its game plan. All of these factors can lead to changes in opinion.
Having watched, analyzed, and closely monitored every game, ThePapare expert panel of commentators has put together a Team of the Season—based purely on form and each player’s contribution to their team’s success.
If we could select everyone, we would… but it’s a squad of 25. Just like in school, club, or national selections, we too had to leave out multiple talented players.
Here’s the team we picked:
Prop – #1 Manusha Silva (Trinity College)
The Trinity prop forward had a stellar season. Manusha is not your typical big, bulky front-rower, but he proved to be one of the most mobile props around.
His lateral runs, followed by a sharp step back inside, can fox any defence. His tackling was consistently solid, making him our first choice for the No. 1 jersey.
Hooker – #2 Praveen Lakmal (DS Senanayake College)
Praveen was the most accurate line-out thrower in the league—a hooker’s primary duty, which he fulfilled exceptionally well for DS.
The X-factor he brought was his hard-hitting ball carries. He finished as the league’s second-highest try scorer, making him the ideal man for the No. 2 shirt.
Prop – #3 Yoshitha Sithumina (Royal College)
Sithumina… the match winner.
Arguably Royal College’s best forward this season, he brings size and power to the front row. Deadly within 10 metres of the try line, he almost always breaks the first tackle.
Second Row – #4 Hamdhan Safraz (Wesley College)
The big Wesley lock had a dream season. He’s not the tall, lanky type, but more in the mould of Brodie Retallick.
Strong with ball in hand and an ardent defender, Safraz easily earned his spot in our Team of the Season.
Second Row – #5 Thrinethra Dodangoda (Isipathana College)
Isipathana didn’t have the best league campaign, but Dodangoda led them to a Knockout Championship.
Though he played flanker in the league, he was arguably the best line-out jumper—both offensively and defensively. His height and long reach make him an asset to any team, so he slots into our second row.
Flanker – #6 Nisith Kumarasinghe – Co-Vice Captain (Trinity College)
The Most Valuable Player of the Season—an easy pick at blindside flanker.
Nisith always puts his body on the line and is omnipresent on the pitch. His work rate, ruck dominance, and heart make him the ideal flanker. He’ll also serve as Co-Vice Captain and lead the forwards.
Flanker – #7 Shrayan Satheeshkumar (Trinity College)
From back in 2023, to prop in 2024, to No. 8 in 2025— Satheeshkumar is the ultimate utility player.
We’ve picked him at openside for his smart defending, fierce jackaling, speed, fitness, and ability to last the full 70 minutes.
No. 8 – #8 Shenuka Perera (St. Peter’s College)
The player with the most tackle-busts this season.
Shenuka is a powerhouse—you usually need more than two defenders to stop him. A leader with a good head on his shoulders, he’s our starting No. 8.
Scrum-half – #9 Udan Wijekoon (Trinity College)
A cut above the rest this season.
Wijekoon combines a well-weighted box kick with a deadly snipe around the fringes. The full scrum-half package—without the excessive chirping.
Fly-half – #10 Shan Althaf (Trinity College)
In ThePapare Team of the Season for the second year running—the perfect 10.
He burst onto the scene in 2023 for his kicking, but has since added a running game and adaptability to suit any situation. Our first-choice kicker and game controller.
Wing – #11 Minula Yaddehige (Trinity College)
A prolific finisher and blistering speedster.
The Shan–Minula combo produced five tries this season via cross kicks. His defensive awareness and use of the touchline as an extra defender make him indispensable.
Centre – #12 Seneshka Liyanagunawardene (S. Thomas’ College)
One of the strongest backs this season—a constant defensive breaker.
Like Bundee Aki, he can pump his legs through contact and offload, creating line breaks. He’s equally capable of joining the forwards for pick-and-go phases.
Centre – #13 Usman Safraz – Captain (Trinity College)
Captain extraordinaire.
Cool, calm, and collected, Safraz is a fantastic distributor who can pass both ways and defend with commitment. Adds valuable versatility to the midfield.
Wing – #14 Didula Jayasuriya (Royal College)
The fastest man in the team.
A skilful winger with great decision-making—knowing when to pass and when to hold. Deadly in open play and the first to arrive at any contest.
Full-back – #15 Abdul Haadhi – Co-Vice Captain (Wesley College)
Perhaps the toughest position to select this year, with many outstanding performers.
Haadhi, however, has that special something—calm under the high ball and a step ahead in decision-making. Also a capable goal-kicker.
#16 Naqeeb Mohommad (Royal College)
Royal’s impact man off the bench—capable of throwing into the line-out and covering prop if needed. His tackle-busting runs are a late-game weapon.
#17 Sethum Rajapaksha (Isipathana College)
A player who can turn a game on its head—as he did in this year’s knockout finals. A big, physical ball carrier who wins vital metres under pressure.
#18 Nelith Hapugala (Wesley College)
One of the most dynamic props this season. Always hunting for the next job, and with several tries to his name. A dangerous second-half sub.
#19 Shaakib Zumri (Isipathana College)
Primarily covers the second row but can slot into the back row when needed. Adds a valuable line-out option and breaks tackles with ease.
#20 Hamza Abdeen (Trinity College)
The unsung workhorse.
Selfless in defence, tireless in the loose, and never far from the action. One of the quickest line-out jumpers in the league.
#21 Sithija Jayathilake (Thurstan College)
Top try-scorer: 17 tries in 9 games. Enough said.
But Sithija is more than a finisher—his power, leg drive, and agility make him lethal.
#22 Venuka Wickramasooriya (S. Thomas’ College)
The Thomian captain and a live wire off the bench.
One of the quickest thinkers, he can spark an attack from nothing. Crisp distribution from the base.
#23 Nethshan Peiris (St. Peter’s College)
One of the biggest game breakers of the season.
Keeps the ball in both hands, keeping defenders guessing until the last moment.
#24 Mohomad Fawaz (Wesley College)
Our utility outside back and open-play terror.
Can run through any defence and defend strongly himself. His footwork leaves defenders clutching at thin air.
#25 Deneth Chamuditha (Ananda College)
A tough final pick—edging out Dilruwan Perera.
123 points in a season (6 tries, 18 conversions, 19 penalties) speaks volumes. With his huge boot and game management skills, Chamuditha is our clutch player, covering both fly-half and full-back.
