Having got their hands on Silverware in 2017 (Knockouts), Joes Rugby has gone from strength to strength since, however, have been unable to get their hands on the elusive League title that they missed by a whisker in 2018 and 2022.
Ever since, the Joesphain rugby team has been a force to be reckon with having dished out performances against big guns such as Isipathana, Royal, St. Peter’s, Trinity to name a few.
Consistency has been something the lads from Maradana lack and this has been a thorn in their flesh through the years..
Current Outfit
This team saw just 4 players leave from 2024 as majority of the side remains the same, but, with a new coaching set up at the helm, St. Joseph’s will have their work cut out as they aim for the stars.
Players to watch out for
Nethan at Fullback will be aiming to hit his straps as the youngster returns from an ACL injury while, Malshan Dewmin will be eager to bring about his razzle-dazzle alongside his fellow Center Beeshma. Thevan Kithnuka was another name we would’ve kept our eyes on before the Knockouts but a knee injury will force him to play a more circumspect role this year.
Hemish Gamage from No. 8 will be aiming to add the much needed imputes as the Joesphians have traditionally been all about the forwards in the past years.
Coaches
Dulanjana Wijesinghe received his maiden call up to be the Head Coach, as he takes charge with Lakala joining in as the three-quarters coach.
Dulanjana will no doubt have his work cut out as he will be tasked to make history at Maradana.
Expectations for the Season
Expectations will no doubt be sky high as Joes Rugby embarks on yet another season in search for glory. Finishing off in the Cup segment after the first round will be key in order to achieve the unthinkable and if there ever was a year to do that, it would be 2025.
Full Squad
Sithanga Liyanage, Nathan Gunaratne, Christeno Anthony, Clive Hingert, Riane Jayawardane, Faizan Firdouse, Malshan Dewmin, Dylan Wijayawardena, Tharusha Jayasuriya, Nilukshan Warnakula, Joel Ranasinghe, Hirusha Manahara, Akshan Rashminda, Dion Pieterz, Yumeth Daluwatte, Jithara Pieris, Sathira Gunathilake, Nathanial Jayasundara, Swetha Bandara, Dinath Tharin, Mindulka Perera, Akash Gomaz, Adriano R Candappa, Shaween Soyza, Dion Fernando, Senith Rodrigo, Thevan Kithnuka, Dinel Chathruka, Thisath Thewnila, Isuru Chathuranga, Adeesha Perera, Nikil De Silva, Joshua Tyler, Inosh Silva, Ashen Kumar, Bryan Fernando, Beeshma Jayasekera
Fixtures
Date Home Away Venue
June 7 Vidyartha St. Joseph’s Nittawela
June 14 Thurstan St. Joseph’s CR & FC
June 21 Royal St. Joseph’s Royal Complex
June 28 St. Joseph’s Trinity CR & FC
July 5 St. Joseph’s Sri Sumangala CR & FC
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