The Royal tuskers haven’t managed to get their hands on gold since 2019 after winning the league title for 3 consecutive years Under the captaincy of Ovin Askey, Sabith Feroze and Thulaib Hassen but, have managed to be in the top 3 for the seasons that have come after. This year will mark 105 years of Royal rugby and will also mark the year of the 79th Bradby shield encounter.
The 2024 rugby season proved to be a challenging one for Royal College. Despite their efforts, they were unable to secure victories against the formidable Bamba Brigade in the league. Additionally, the team faced setbacks in key encounters, narrowly losing the Major Milroy Trophy to Isipathana College and the Bradby Shield to Trinity College. In both instances, Royal College’s opponents clinched victory in the final moments of the matches, marking a season of near triumphs and hard-fought contests.
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- D.S. Senanayake College Rugby: A Rising Force Ready to Roar in 2025
- Current outfit
The 2025 Royal College rugby squad will consist of a lot of fresh faces along with players with seasoned experience. With over 10 players from the previous season having moved on, the team welcomes a fresh cohort eager to make their mark. Notably, several players have earned their colours, bringing invaluable experience from past seasons. Among these, the forwards are expected to anchor the pack, while the backs will bolster the line.
Observing the President’s Trophy tournament, it’s evident that the Tuskers are evolving their game strategy. Historically known for their dominant forward play, this season they’ve been incorporating more dynamic backline movements, often channeling the ball to key players in the line. This tactical shift aims to diversify their attacking options and adapt to the tough opponents they’ll face. Nonetheless, the Royal maul remains a formidable weapon in their arsenal, serving as a testament to their rich rugby heritage and commitment to excellence.
- Players to watch out for
This year, the captaincy of the Royal College rugby team has been entrusted to Amika Samarasinghe. Since making his debut in the 2022 season, Amika has proven to be a versatile and reliable player, having performed in multiple positions across the backline. His speed, agility, and solid defensive work have made him a vital asset to the Tuskers over the past two years.
Supporting him as vice-captain is the dynamic fly-half, Idris Farouk, who also debuted in 2022. Wearing the No. 10 jersey, Idris is known for his precise kicking and game management skills. While we’ve seen glimpses of his brilliance with the “golden boot,” this season promises even more from the playmaker.
From the forwards pack, Disas Pathirana stands out as a powerhouse. Originally a centre, Disas now commands the No. 8 position, bringing explosive ball-carrying strength and physicality to the back of the scrum. Alongside him, Naqeeb Mohammed will take up the role of hooker. After an impressive campaign last year, Naqeeb is expected to be a central figure in the front row this season
Anchoring the backfield is Yuwan Pathirana at fullback. Known for his sharp footwork, accurate kicking, and confident counter-attacks, Yuwan continues to be one of the most exciting players to watch on the field.
Additionally, seasoned campaigners such as Didula Jayasuriya, Yoshitha Jayasekara, Savistha Fernando, and Senuja Ranasinghe add further strength and experience to this year’s squad, making them key players to watch as the season unfolds.
- Coaches
Former Royalist and two-time league-winning coach, Dushanth Lewke, continues his tenure as the Head Coach of the Royal College rugby team for the 8th consecutive year. With a wealth of experience, including his role as the current Assistant Coach for Sri Lanka Rugby, Lewke’s leadership remains instrumental in shaping the team’s strategy and performance.
The coaching staff has seen some changes this season. Banuka Nanayakkara, a former St. Peter’s College Captain and Coach, takes charge of the backline, bringing his expertise to enhance the team’s attacking play. Azmir Fajudeen, a former Royal College league winning forward, assumes the role of forwards coach, aiming to strengthen the team’s physical presence and set-piece execution. Chathura Avishka joins as the team’s trainer, focusing on player fitness and conditioning, while Ajith Silva continues his role as the kicking coach, refining the team’s goal-kicking and tactical kicking skills. With this dedicated coaching team, the Royal College rugby team is poised to reclaim glory and bring the championship back to Reid Avenue this season.
- Expectations this season
The 2025 Royal College rugby team enters the season with renewed determination, aiming to rebound from a challenging 2024 campaign. Last year, the team faced setbacks, losing three of their four major trophy matches: the Major Milroy Trophy to Isipathana College, the B.C. Anghie Trophy to St. Peter’s College, and the coveted Bradby Shield to Trinity College. This year’s side will aim for redemption against these formidable foes while also hoping to retain the Michael Gunaratne Trophy against St. Thomas College.
This season, the Tuskers are not only focused on reclaiming these prestigious titles but also on securing the Schools Rugby League championship. With a legacy of 11 league titles, Royal College aims to add another to their storied history, marking a significant milestone in their pursuit of excellence on the rugby field.
The Tuskers have 5 games in round one and 2 of them away in Kandy where they face their arch rivals Trinity college as well. And the other 3 games will be played at their home turf the Royal College sports complex also known as the ‘ Jurassic Park ‘.
Making sure they don’t get ahead of themselves and not making crucial mistakes in the last moments of the game that defined their season last year will be the key factors for the Tuskers this season. Can Royal College redeem themselves from last year’s disappointments and bring back their trophies to Reid Avenue? Only time will tell!
