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Sri Lanka Schools Rugby refers to the rugby union competitions and traditions among schools in Sri Lanka. It has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century and plays a significant role in the development of rugby in the country.[1] The Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA), established in 1972, is the governing body responsible for organizing and promoting rugby among schools in Sri Lanka. The SLSRFA organizes various tournaments and works closely with Sri Lanka Rugby to develop the sport at the grassroots level.[2]
History
editEarly years (1893–1940s)
editRugby was first introduced to Sri Lankan schools in 1893 at Kingswood College, Kandy. The sport gradually spread to other schools:[1]
| School | Year commenced |
|---|---|
| Kingswood College, Kandy | 1893 |
| Trinity College, Kandy | 1906 |
| Royal College, Colombo | 1916 |
| Zahira College, Colombo | 1924 |
| St. Peter's College, Colombo | 1932 |
The first inter-school rugby match was played in 1906 between Kingswood College and Trinity College, ending in a 6-all draw.[1]
In 1932, a league tournament known as the "little league" was introduced, initially contested by Trinity, Royal, Zahira, and St. Peter's. World War II disrupted the league, with only Royal and Trinity continuing regular fixtures during this period.[1]
Post-war expansion (1950s–1970s)
editThe 1950s saw a resurgence in school rugby, with more schools adopting the sport. By the 1960s, competition had intensified, with schools like Zahira, S. Thomas', St. Peter's, and Isipathana producing champion teams alongside Royal and Trinity.[1]
| School | Year commenced |
|---|---|
| St. Joseph's College, Colombo | 1955 |
| S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia | 1955 |
| St. Sylvester's College | 1955 |
| St. Anthony's College, Kandy | 1956 |
| Wesley College, Colombo | 1956 |
| Dharmasoka College | 1957 |
| Thurstan College | 1958 |
| Vidyartha College | 1959 |
| Isipathana College | 1963 |
| St. Benedict's College, Colombo | 1963 |
| St. Mary's College, Dehiwela | 1963 |
| Richmond College, Galle | 1965 |
| Ananda College | 1966 |
| Dharmaraja College | 1969 |
| Nalanda College, Colombo | 1972 |
Major Competitions
editSchools Rugby League
editThe Schools Rugby League is the premier 15-a-side competition for schools in Sri Lanka. It is organized by the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) and sponsored by Dialog Axiata PLC. The league features multiple divisions, with the top teams competing in Division 1A.
Schools Rugby League Past Winners
edit| Year | Winner | Captain |
|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Royal College, Colombo | Michael Muller |
| 1974 | Trinity College, Kandy | C.Y. Chang |
| 1975 | Trinity College, Kandy | Rohan Soujah |
| 1976 | Royal College, Colombo | Manik Weerakumar |
| 1977 | Trinity College, Kandy | Ravi Balasuriya |
| 1978 | Royal College, Colombo | Rohantha Peiris |
| 1979 | Royal College, Colombo | Ravindranath (Raba) |
| 1980 | Isipathana College | A.S.B. Bowela |
| 1981 | Royal College, Colombo | Sujeewa Cooray |
| 1982 | Isipathana College | Dilroy Fernando |
| 1983 | Isipathana College | Rodger Rodrigo |
| 1984 | Isipathana College | Shabeen Siddique |
| 1985 | Isipathana College | Chandana Deepthi |
| 1986 | Isipathana College | Selvin Sallay |
| 1987 | Trinity College, Kandy | Tyrrell Rajapakshe |
| 1988 | Royal College, Colombo | Lasitha Gunarathne |
| 1989 | S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia | Rizyi Suhaib |
| 1990 | S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia | Nareen Perera |
| 1991 | S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia | Savantha De Saram |
| 1992 | Isipathana College | Champika Nishantha |
| 1993 | Isipathana College | Chamila Samantha |
| 1994 | Isipathana College | Lilekha Fernando |
| 1995 | Isipathana College | Ali Wahid |
| 1996 | Isipathana College | Bandula Mallikarachchi |
| 1997 | Isipathana College | Wajira Hewage |
| 1998 | Royal College, Colombo | W.S.S. Perera |
| 1999 | Isipathana College | Chrishantha Chandran |
| 2000 | S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia | Gavin Jayasekera |
| 2001 | Isipathana College | Ranga Perera |
| 2002 | St. Peter's College, Colombo | Dilanka Wijesekera |
| 2003 | Royal College, Colombo | Rajitha Jayasundara |
| 2004 | Kingswood College, Kandy | Fazil Marija |
| 2005 | Kingswood College, Kandy | Eranda Weerakkody |
| 2006 | St. Peter's College, Colombo | Haren Ariyawardena |
| 2007 | St. Peter's College, Colombo | Ranuka Jayasinghe |
| 2008 | Kingswood College, Kandy | Gayan Rathnage |
| 2009 | Royal College, Colombo | Naren Dasan |
| 2010 | St. Peter's College, Colombo | Keith Gurusinghe |
| 2011 | Royal College, Colombo | Shehan Pathirana |
| 2012 | Isipathana College | Kumendra Dharmadasa |
| 2013 | Dharmaraja College | Rochana Hettiarrachchi |
| 2014 | Isipathana College | Shena Dileka |
| 2015 | Royal College, Colombo | Bhanuka Gamage |
| 2016 | Isipathana College | Kushan Indunil |
| 2017 | Royal College, Colombo | Ovin Askey |
| 2018 | Royal College, Colombo | Sabith Feroz |
| 2019 | Royal College, Colombo | Thulaib Hassen |
| 2020 | Not held due to COVID-19 pandemic | |
| 2021 | Not held due to COVID-19 pandemic | |
| 2022 | Isipathana College | Dahan Nithina |
| 2023 | St. Peter's College, Colombo | Ashan Madugasge |
Presidents Trophy
editThe Presidents Trophy, now known as the Milo President's Trophy, is the main knockout tournament for school rugby teams in Sri Lanka. Originally introduced in 1985 as the Premadasa Trophy, it was renamed to the Presidents Trophy in 1995. This tournament provides an opportunity for schools to compete in a different format from the league, often leading to exciting and unpredictable matches.[1]
Presidents Trophy Past Winners
editSchools Rugby Sevens
editThe Under 19 Elite Rugby 7s, also known as the Dialog Schools Rugby - Under 19 Elite Rugby 7s, is a relatively new addition to the school rugby calendar, showcasing the fast-paced and exciting 7-a-side version of the sport. Sponsored by Dialog Axiata PLC, this tournament has quickly become a significant event in the school rugby scene.[1]
Traditional Fixtures
editSeveral traditional fixtures between schools have become integral to the rugby calendar. The most prestigious of these is the Bradby Shield, contested annually between Royal College and Trinity College since 1945.[1]
Impact and Legacy
editSri Lanka Schools Rugby has played a crucial role in developing talent for the national team and fostering a strong rugby culture in the country. Many of Sri Lanka's top rugby players have emerged from the school system, highlighting its importance in the national rugby landscape.[1]