Few rivalries in Sri Lankan school rugby carry the history, emotion, and prestige of the annual clash between S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia and Isipathana College, Colombo. More than just another fixture on the calendar, the Rizwi Suhayb Trophy celebrates a remarkable legacy while renewing one of the country’s fiercest sporting contests.
In the annals of Sri Lankan schoolboy rugby, the 1989 S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia side stands apart. Under the inspired captaincy of Rizwi Suhayb, this extraordinary team achieved the ultimate prize — an undefeated season, clinching both the Schools League Championship and the President’s Trophy (Premadasa Trophy) in the same year.
Suhayb was the heartbeat of it all. A five-season veteran of the Thomian 1st XV and captain of the Sri Lanka Under-20 side that same year, he combined blistering pace with tactical brilliance, elevating every player around him.
The Thomians dismantled all league opposition before sealing their perfect season with a commanding final victory over arch-rivals Isipathana College. Winning the Double undefeated was unprecedented — and remains one of the most revered achievements in Sri Lankan schools rugby.
Their legacy endured beyond that glorious season, with the 1990 and 1991 sides extending the unbeaten run to a remarkable 47 consecutive victories.
S. Thomas’and Isipathana share one of Sri Lankan schoolboy rugby’s greatest rivalries — a fierce, decades-long contest that has shaped the character of both institutions. It is precisely this history that makes the Rizwi Suhayb Trophy, contested annually between these two giants, so deeply meaningful. Following Suhayb’s untimely passing, his 1989 teammates ensured his legend endures through this fixture — a tribute as enduring as the man himself.
This year’s edition of the rivalry fixture will be played on 4th July at Havelock Park. Rugby fans can watch the contest live on ThePapare TV channels, Dialog Play and ThePapare.com website.
In this year’s Dialog Schools Rugby League, Isipathana College played five matches in the Cup Segment, winning two and losing three to finish fourth with 16 points. S. Thomas’ College competed in the Plate Segment, winning two and losing three of their five matches to finish fourth with 14 points.
