One of Sri Lanka’s school rugby powerhouses, St Peter’s College has announced the appointment of Rajeev Perera as their head coach of their 1st XV rugby team for the upcoming season. Rajeev, fondly known by many as ‘Coach Picka’, is one of the very few coaches who possess a World Rugby Level 3 Coaching qualification.
Rajeev’s rugby roots run much deeper, and he started his rugby career as a junior player at St Peter’s College, which was the cradle of many prominent rugby players. After ending his school career as a coloursman, he joined the prestigious Havelock Sports Club. Since then he has stood tall and has performed magnificently at the hooker position by escalating his team for many victories. Rajeev proudly wore the Havelock jersey throughout his club career, symbolising a lifelong loyalty towards his club. Further, he went on to captain the Park Club, and later he played an instrumental role in bringing the 2012 Club League Championship to Havelock SC.
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Rejeev’s playing career also featured the proudest moment for any rugby player, which is wearing the national jersey. During his five-year tenure with the national outfit, the spotlight moment came when Sri Lanka clinched the Asian 5 Nations Division 1 championship.
After hanging up his boots, Rajeev has been wearing a new hat in the capacity of a coach. Rajeev’s commitment and passion in the game cleared his pathway towards excellence in the field. Within a very short period, he became a specialist coach known for his technical acumen and ability to develop young talent. Therefore, Rajeev is known as a top-notch coach in club rugby, and his service was instrumental behind the rapid progress of CH & FC, Havelock, Police and the newcomers Sri Lions Sports Club.
In the meanwhile, Rajeev was lucky enough to guide the junior and senior national outfits. Importantly, the national 7’s side displayed visible progress under his supervision, amid the numerous obstacles. He contributed with a vital role by staying behind the stage to clinch the Asian 7’s runners-up title in Hong Kong (2016).
During the upcoming season, he will be supported by the two vice captains who hail from Science School, Amila Chathuranga (Assistant Coach – Forwards) and Randima Fernando (Backs). As Perterites failed to perform by living up to the expectations during this school season, surely they are looking forward to revival under the guidance of the national coach. Can Peterites go all the way and add another trophy to its cabinet under the supervision of Rejeev? Only time will tell!
St. Peter’s College – 1st XV Rugby Coaching & Support Staff
Rajeev Perera – Head Coach
Amila Chathuranga – Assistant Coach (Forwards)
Randima Fernando – Assistant Coach (Backs)
Ransilu Jayathilake – Trainer (Strength and Conditioning)
Rohan Ferdinando – Speed Trainer
Rookantha Silva – Physio
Kamesh Manchana – Team Manager
