It’s been a long wait of 31 years for a title. Once the mightiest of all rugby clubs in the island, the Police Sports Club is back to the rhythm with newfound rejuvenation in their approach to the oval ball game.

According to recorded history, on 27 January 1881, a team of police officers participated in a rugby union game at the Kew Gardens Park in Malay Street, Colombo. In 1891, a team from the Pettah Police Station played a rugby match, setting itself etched in the history books of Ceylon’s sporting chronicles.

Promoted to the top division in 1967, they made it to the Clifford Cup finals, losing to Havies in the finals. They won their maiden Clifford Cup in 1970 under Abdul Majeed, drawing in the final 6–6 with Havelock’s. 

In 1979, Police SC won their maiden league title under the legendary Charles Wijewardene a.k.a. King Charles. The cops went on to win six consecutive leagues from 1984-89. In 1989, they enjoyed their most successful season under Hafeez Marso (retired DIG and former Additional Director of the State Intelligence Service), clinching the triple crown (League, Sevens, and the Clifford Cup).

In 1990 at the end of round one, they were table-toppers, but had to withdraw due to the war. In 1991 under Hemantha Yatawara, Police were crowned double champs – their last titles to date.

In 2023/24, under skipper Mohan Wimalarathne, Police SC will be guided by the dynamic duo – Nilfer Ibrahim as head coach and Dulanjana Wijesinghe as deputy and forwards coach. “Dula” will also join as a player, sharing his expertise. Nilusha Fernando, at 42 years of age, will be donning the Cops jersey yet again as the most capped player in the overall tournament.

Police have a huge influx of fresh schoolboy talent, along with seasoned campaigners who are ready to dish out some never-before-seen superlative ploys.