As we await just a couple of weeks for the curtain-raising games of the Mastercard Club Rugby League 2025/26, the giant-killing Air Force Sports Club has announced an unchanged coaching line-up.
The veteran coach Asela Deshapriya has been reappointed as Head Coach to continue his good work for another stint. One of the finest rugby products to emerge from C.W.W. Kannangara College, Asela has gradually built a reputation in the rugby circuit as an influential coach. He began his coaching career at Dudley Senanayake College before taking over as Head Coach at his alma mater. Prior to being appointed as Head Coach of D.S. Senanayake College in 2019, Deshapriya coached the Royal College U16 and U18 teams. Under his guidance, the Royal College U16 team was crowned All-Island Champions in 2017.
>>Janidu Dilshan to captain CH & FC rugby for yet another year<<
Asela’s greatest success came with D.S. Senanayake College rugby, where he elevated the “Don” rugby team to the top division from Division 1, Group B. Asela is reputed not only for building skilled teams but also for transforming players’ mindsets—instilling in them the belief and discipline to challenge and outperform any superior side on the field. With his proven capability, the Airmen will surely be hoping for an even better finish this season.
The Air Force forwards will train under the guidance of their long-serving Assistant Coach, Ranuka Madagedara. Ranuka represented Air Force SC for nearly a decade before transitioning into a coaching role and has made a massive contribution to strengthening the Airmen both as a player and as a coach. He also served as the forwards coach for Zahira College during the 2024 school rugby season and has now joined Thurstan College in the same capacity. In both instances, he worked alongside the veteran coach Shamly Nawaz.
The three-quarters division of the Airmen will once again be under the care of the experienced coach Charith Senevirathne. Charith was a loyal servant of Air Force rugby for many years before taking up coaching duties. His performance was instrumental in the team’s Clifford Cup runners-up finish in 2019, and he was the first-choice place kicker for the side for many seasons.
>>Dushmantha Priyadarshana to carry Sri Lions Rugby into a new era<<
As for the Air Force playing unit, the experienced forward Sharaka Werella has been appointed Captain for the upcoming season. A proud product of Kegalu Vidyalaya, he usually plays in the No. 8 position. The captaincy will not be an added burden for him, as he already shouldered the same responsibility during the latter part of the previous club rugby tournament.
He will be assisted by the Vice-Captains, Shamika Kaushan and Pramod Padmasanka. Shamika is a powerful and versatile player who can feature either as a hooker or a flanker, while Pramod—who plays as the first centre—will lead the three-quarters division of the Air Force outfit.
Air Force Rugby Club – Captains and officials for 2025/2026 club rugby season
Head Coach – Asela Deshapriya ag
Assistant coach (Forwards) – Ranuka Madagedara
Assistant coach (Backs) – Charith Senevirathne
Team Trainer – Lahiru Weerasinghe
Manager Assistant Secretary – Chathura Eleperuma
Captain – Sharaka Werella
Vice Captain – Shamika Kaushan
Co Vice Captain – Pramod Padmasanka
