With great anticipation of elevating the school’s legacy and spirit, Thurstan College officially announced the appointment of Abdul Ahad Sally as the captain of the school’s rugby team for the 2026 season. Further, the Thurstan Rugby brigade will train under the guidance of Shamlie Nawaz as they prepare for the challenges after a hard-fought schools’ rugby league in 2025.
A third-year Colorman, Sally’s elevation to the helm comes as no surprise to those who have followed his progression. Known for his grit in the open play and his tireless work rate in the defence, Sally has been a pillar of Thurstan’s success over years. His promotion to the captaincy is a testament to his consistency, discipline, and the natural leadership qualities he has displayed both on and off the field.
Sally has a blistering speed and dazzling attacking flair which sealed him the spot as a wing three-quarter. With his trusted bootworks, he can easily adapt into the fullback position at any given time, adding some depth and balance to the outfit. Hence, the Thurstan rugby fraternity has placed all of their trust on Sallay, who can carry forward the responsibility of the jersey and set the tone both on and off the field.
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The pack-leading duty and co-captaincy are bestowed on Ruchara Hishan, who plays as a flanker among their forwards. He is a versatile and mobile forward who is renowned for his fast reactions and tackling accuracy. His ability to motivate his fellow forwards during the gruelling phases of play has been noted by the school rugby management as a decisive factor in his appointment.
In a move that signals a clear intent to blend aggressive attacking flair with hardened experience, the speedster, Amindu Rajapaksha, has been appointed as the other co-vice captain of the side. Known for his explosive line breaks, formidable defence, and ability to turn a game on its head with individual brilliance, Amindu has been a cornerstone of Thurstan’s success stories during the year.
To continue Thurstan’s rugby revitalisation and reclaim prominence in the schools’ rugby arena, they have retained former Sri Lankan player and veteran Shamly Nawaz in the Head Coach position. Though Thurstan fielded as underdogs last year, under his guidance, Thurstan Brigade looked like a different unit and was a headache to many title-contending sides.
Further, ex-Zahira and current Air Force SC forwards coach Ranuka Madagedara will continue his good work this year also in the same capacity. Apart from him, ex-Ananda backs coach Naleen Kumara, who will replace Saliya Handapangoda in the coaching unit. The seasonal coach Naleen currently serves as the head coach of SLIIT while taking care of the backs division of the University of Kelaniya.
Thurstan College Rugby Team – Captains and coaching staff for 2026
- Team Captain – Abdul Ahad Sally
- Co-vice captain – Ruchara Hishan
- Co-vice captain – Amindu Rajapaksha
- Head Coach – Shamlie Navaz
- Assistant Coach (Forwards) – Ranuka Madagedara
- Assistant Coach (Backs) – Naleen Kumara
- Team Manager – Daminda Abeysekara
