In a move that signals a commitment to expansive, attacking rugby, Wesley College has appointed dynamic centre three-quarter Kaizer Lye as the captain of its senior rugby team for the upcoming season. While the skipper will strengthen the backs division, the powering forwards duo, Nelith Hapugalla and Pawan Thirangama, will assume the duties as vice-captain and deputy vice-captain.
In the modern era of Wesley school rugby, captaincy is often bestowed upon the forwards who dictate the physicality of the game. But Kaizer is someone who managed to break the chain with his magnificent game management skills accompanied by unmatched skill and sparkling performance. Kaizer, who is a fifth-year coloursman for the “Double Blues”, executes his duties from the inside centre position.
Lye, a graduate of the Wesley rugby nursery, has distinguished himself by leading the junior teams across all age groups. Known for his explosive pace, silky footwork, and tactical intelligence in the backline, he embodies the modern rugby centre, equally capable of breaking the defensive line and creating space for his wingers. Further, Kaizer is a versatile player who can quickly adapt to the fly-half and even scrum-half positions, which provides extra depth and fine balance for his side.
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During the recent “Dialogue Schools Rugby League” season, Kaizer played a pivotal role in the rise of the Double Blues, and his tremendous effort lifted his school to the runners-up position. During the course he touched down for an iconic try against St Peter’s College, which earned him the Swisstek Try of the Match award.
The powerhouse, Nelith Hapugall, will carry out his duties in the capacity of the vice-captain of the side. The prop forward is not just a ball-carrier but a tactician in the engine room. His ability to motivate his fellow forwards during the gruelling phases of play has been noted by the coaching staff as a decisive factor in his appointment.
In the meantime, the second rower, Pawan Thiranagama, has been appointed as the vice captain of the side. The versatile forward who can also adapt to play as a front rower is well-known for his dominance in the lineouts as well as his tackling accuracy.
Henry Terrance is at the helm of the coaching staff by continuing his long-term association with his alma mater, Wesley College. The 2005 vice captain and the national player have guided Wesley to their first-ever major silverware, the President’s Trophy (Knockout Championship), in 2013. He got massive coaching experience under his belt with successful coaching stints with St Peter’s College, Isipathana College, CH & FC and Kandy SC, even with the Sri Lanka Under-20 national team. Those experiences will definitely fuel the Wesleyites to reach greater heights in the upcoming rugby season.
Further, the fullback and former Wesley captain (2015), Omar Kuthubdeen, will assist Henry by looking after the Double Blue’s backs division. Another Wesley skipper (2024) who had a tremendous career as a flanker of the side, Shem Mendis will step into the field of coaching as the forwards coach. Further, the former Kingswood, Sri Lanka, and ex-Navy SC skipper Thilina Weerasinghe will continue his service as the kicking coach of the side.
