Shaakib Zumri, a proud fourth-year coloursman and cracking forward, has been appointed as the Captain of the Isipathana College 1st XV Rugby Team, targeting the 2025 Schools Rugby season. Shaakib is the brother of former Isipathana Vice Captain and current National and Kandy SC three-quarter, Shaahid Zumri, and the current Isipathana College’s rising forward, Sajeed Zumri.
The towering youth player with nearly a height of 6 feet, Shaakib, is a third-row specialist who usually plays at the No. 08 position. In addition, he is a versatile player who can also play as a lock who can provide a cutting edge at the line-outs. Shaakib has been a key figure in Isipathana’s Rugby success since 2023, known for his commitment in giving solid scrums and for his rapid play at the breakdowns. Shakib had a tremendous Rugby season during the year 2025 by securing a few Swisstek Player of the Match awards, especially with his outstanding effort against Wesley College. With having a wealth of experience and tactical acumen, he is well-poised to spearhead the green machine to silverware, as the champion producing school is hoping for a redemption and to restore their legacy by writing another bright chapter.
Apart from the Captain, another fourth-year coloursman and prolific three-quarter, Nimantha Sandeepa, will be a Co-Vice Captain of the side. Nimantha usually plays as the trusted fullback of the side, but he can easily adapt into fly-half and centre positions by providing much-needed balance to the outfit. During the last season, he stole the spotlight after scoring a couple of tries against the league-winning Trinity College during a losing course.
The fourth-year coloursman and speedster, Abdul Azeez, has been entrusted with the responsibility of the other Co-Vice Captain. Abdul has been a try machine for the side and is widely regarded as one of the best finishers in modern School Rugby. His lightning speed and vibrant play will immensely contribute to restoring Isipathana Rugby as a formidable force on the field.
Apart from the players, the 1997 Isipathana 1st XV Rugby player, Kelum Rodrigo, was appointed Chairman of the Isipathana College Rugby Management and Development Committee for the 2026 season. Rodrigo was a part of the unbeaten and Triple Crowned Rugby outfit in 1997, and later he held several positions by continuing his service in the field of Rugby administration.
The balanced Isipathana outfit will be coached by another homegrown talent, the Rugby maestro Sanath Martis, and he will be assisted by former National, Navy, Air Force, CH & FC, and CR & FC player Chanaka Chandimal in the capacity of the Backs Coach.
Captain, Coaches and Management Staff of Isipathana College Rugby Outfit – 2026
- Rugby Captain – Zaakib Zumri
- Rugby Vice Captains – Nimantha Sandeepa & Abdul Azeez
- Head Coach – Sanath Martis
- Backs Coach – Chanaka Chandimal
- Strength & Conditioning Coach (Trainer) – Vageesha Weerasinghe
- Chairman (Rugby Management and Development Committee) – Kelum Rodrigo
- Manager – Rehan Mussadique & Sethum Rajapaksha
- Physio – Shafin Majeed & Udaraka Vishwajith
- Doctor – Asanka Weligamage
- Masseur – Supun Chandana
