- Taste league runner-up glory after 2003
None of the players in this year’s rugby team were born when Wesley College last clinched the runner-up spot in the schools rugby league top division.
Wesley rugby lads known as the Double Blues from Campbell Park tasted Inter-school League runner-up glory after 22 years last weekend after an emphatic last-gasp victory against one of their oldest sporting rivals S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia. This season marked a turning point in their journey clinching their third league runner-up finish (1997, 2003, 2025).
The Daily Morning spoke to some of the top stakeholders of the success story.
Following are excerpts from the interview:
How do you feel about becoming runners-up this year?
My team gave their hearts out, playing every game with 200% effort. I am incredibly proud of my amazing team for bringing the runners-up title to our alma mater, Wesley, after 22 years.
Your thoughts on the finale against S. Thomas’ College?
S. Thomas’ was one of the best oppositions we faced this season. Both the colleges showed their passion and grit by not giving up until the dying seconds of that match. I am very proud of them.
Tell us about how you started rugby and who inspired you?
I have been playing rugby since I was very small. I come from a rugby background; both my father and brother played for our school. My first inspiration was my father, who played the same position as me. I always wanted to make him proud.
What’s your message to the future Wesley rugby players?
Team ’25 has paved a great pathway for you all by finishing as runners-up this year. Keep up the fight and bring that much-needed league title to Wesley. We are all behind you to support your journey. Make the college proud.
How great is it to have a good support system, especially parents?
Having a strong support system is really important for a school rugby player. Our game is physically and mentally demanding, so the motivation you get from your parents is crucial to staying strong during the ups and downs.
As the guiding guru what are your thoughts about the 2025 campaign?
I’m extremely proud of the boys and the journey we’ve had this season. Finishing as runners-up isn’t just about the final standing, it’s a reflection of the hard work, commitment, and resilience the team has shown. Of course, we always aim for the championship, but the growth and unity we’ve built this year is a victory in itself
The STC game went down to the wire, how did the boys comeback after trailing?
It was a hard-fought match, and both teams gave their all. S. Thomas’ played very well, and we have to give them credit for their performance. For us, it was about sticking to our game plan, showing heart, and never giving up. The boys left everything on the field, and as a coach, that’s all I can ask for.
How did you take up coaching after playing at the top level?
Rugby has been part of my life from school level to club rugby and representing Sri Lanka. Coaching started for me back in 2013 at my alma mater, Wesley College. Since then, I’ve continued to grow as a coach, becoming a World Rugby Level 3 qualified coach and completing an Advance Coaching course in New Zealand. Rugby has given me so much, and coaching allows me to give that experience back to the next generation.
Before stepping into a new era, what do you like to say to every future rugby player from Wesley and beyond?
Wear your College jersey with pride and understand the responsibility that comes with it. Train hard, stay disciplined, respect your coaches, teammates, and opponents, and most importantly, enjoy the game. Rugby will teach you life lessons far beyond the field, so give it your all every single time you step out to play.
Wesley’s league runner-up journey
Results: Round 1
- vs. Science (won 63-15)
- vs. DSS at (won 29-10)
- vs. St. Anthony’s (won 24-3)
- vs. St. Peter’s (won 23-5)
- vs. Ananda (won 43-11)
Cup segment
- vs. Isipathana (lost 21-17)
- vs. Royal (won 24-17)
- vs. Trinity (lost 23-21)
- Vs. S. Thomas’ (won 43-38) – (Sir Oliver Goonetilleke Shield)
Upcoming fixture – vs. Kingswood (Blaze Trophy) 16 August at CR & FC, 6.30 p.m.
Here’s what the deputy skipper who is also a well known public speaker had to say.
How’s the post-runner-up win feeling?
First of all I’d like to thank the Almighty for giving me this opportunity and giving me the strength to play this sport. Words don’t do justice to how I feel as a league runner-up right now. As this being my last ever league game to my alma mater, I always wanted to leave a legacy behind, something that we could talk about for years to come.
Being the league runners-up was no easy task, our goal was to become league champions but due to a few costly errors we lost it by the slightest of margins, but we weren’t down and out, as a leader and as a team we wanted to give our college something and the boys did really well.
What was going through your mind especially in the last match?
The last game against S. Thomas’ was a nail-biter. Up against one of the best teams of the season, we knew it wasn’t an easy task. As a 1st XV player, I played my first ever league game against S. Thomas’ College and now as my last ever league game it was against the gritty Thomians yet again. This game was personal to me, as I had to choose if I had to leave a historic legacy for college or maybe just another ordinary team, and I think that was my only thought throughout the entire game.
Who were your biggest inspirations in this journey?
I first started rugby back in grade two at 7 years old. I didn’t know what rugby was but all of my friends were playing rugby and that got me to see what this sport actually was. One of the main people who inspired me was my father and every time I see his national jersey hanging on the wall I get inspired to maybe one day hang my own national jersey next to his. And another thing that inspires me throughout the game is the phrase ‘come on nana’ said before every kick by my very own brother. Those words not only inspire me but also create an adrenaline rush within me.
What is your key message for Wesley’s future rugby stars?
Enjoy the game and love the game. Do not ever lose confidence in yourself and trust yourself through thick and thin. Winning isn’t everything but giving your heart out fair and square towards your goal and win is everything. Be humble, listen to your coaches and parents and that’ll take you a long way.
Tell us about the support system throughout your sporting career?
I’ve had a great support system ever since I started my sporting career, not only as the vice captain of the rugby team but also as the captain of the 1st XI football team of Wesley College. I’ve been having unwavering support from my parents. My mother has been a guiding light and a tower of strength towards me no matter what happens. Her dedication was by far one of the reasons I wanted to keep improving just to put a smile on her face. And my father, his sacrifices to keep me fit mentally and physically cannot be shown by just mere words. Whether it’s the late nights or the earliest of mornings he’d be there. He guided me through not only in rugby but also in life. And another thing that kept pushing me forward was to make my father proud. And to sum it up, I always think of this quote, ‘for my mother’s happiness and my father’s pride’.
Apart from my parents, I’ve had a huge support from my best friend, he has been there through the ups and downs and he’s been through it all. To all my cousins, friends and everyone who believed in me, your love, prayers and support is the reason I’m here standing with immense gratitude and I’ll be forever grateful for what everyone has done towards me.
And to end things I’d like to say without the lord Almighty I’m nothing.
How do you feel about your Double Blue warriors of 2025 and their prowess?
What a Season! I couldn’t be prouder of my boys. Their fighting spirit, dedication, and unwavering commitment throughout the season have been absolutely inspiring. From the very first game, I had a feeling this year would be something special and it truly was.
Last weekend marked the final league match, and once again, our team showed what the true Double Blue spirit is all about. Well done, boys, you’ve made the entire college proud. First and foremost, we thank the almighty for the constant guidance and blessings. We would not have come this far without His grace and providence.
This journey has been a team effort in every sense. I want to sincerely thank our Head of Sports Retd. Colonel Rizan Hamidon, Master-in-Charge Bro. Piumal Perera, our Rugby Committee Chairperson Hirosh Rupasinghe and the dedicated members, the passionate and hardworking coaching staff led by Henry Terence, and our team manager. To the college staff who stood by the boys at every turn, the ground staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, and the present and past students who came out in numbers to cheer on the team, thank you for your incredible support. To our parents, your unwavering encouragement meant everything to the boys. And of course, a special thanks to Tharanga, the guardian of the college bus, who ensured our boys travelled safely to every game.
A big thank you also goes to our sponsors. Your support means the world to us and to the beautiful game of rugby. This season has been extra meaningful to me on a personal level. A couple of milestones we reached this year were last achieved when I was a student at the college. To now witness them again as Principal is something truly special and humbling.
The boys finished this league season as runners-up, and that is a huge achievement, a testament to their talent, hard work, and unity as a team. Now, we look ahead to the much anticipated Blaze Trophy traditional encounter against Kingswood College on 16th at CR & FC grounds. It promises to be a thrilling and passionate game. Let’s come together once more and show our boys the same energy, love, and Double Blue pride they’ve shown us all season long. Just as our college motto reminds us: ‘Ora et Labora’ – Pray and Work.
There is an incredible bond and unity this team has shown throughout the season. That brotherhood is the foundation of everything we’ve achieved so far. No matter the challenge, we always find the strength to fight back. That’s the true Double Blue spirit.
And finally Sir Oliver is back to Karlsruhe after our emphatic last-gasp win against a superb Thomian team.
Expert analysis by World Rugby Coach Educator with New Zealand Rugby – Boa Athu
Wesley has performed exceptionally well, showcasing significant improvements in their technical skills. Their catch and pass, ball placement, ability to win collisions, and their technique at the breakdown and ruck have been outstanding. They have players with genuine x-factor, such as Abdul Haadhi, and a strong core group that has been playing together for some time. Additionally, new talent has been seamlessly integrated into the team, and they have gelled together very quickly. This is a testament to the coaching staff, particularly the head coach, who has done a sterling job. It takes real character, skill, and physical conditioning to compete with the top teams. For Wesley to be able to put it all together after so many years and come so close to winning the championship is a phenomenal achievement. This is a great foundation to build on, and hopefully, they can go one better next year. It will be tough, but I sincerely hope they can maintain their technical excellence and continue to build on these skills, because ultimately, from a coaching perspective, that is what gets you across the line.
Here’s a valuable thought for all sportspeople by Former St. Anthony’s, Trinity, Kandy SC and UAE National rugby player Imad Reyal:
Lesson: Stand until the final whistle
- Start strong, finish stronger
A good start means nothing without a strong finish. Many games – and battles in life – are lost because people let up too soon.
- Beware of comfort after small wins
Early success can feel good, but it’s dangerous if it makes you relax. Overconfidence makes you vulnerable.
- Keep your mind on the mission
No matter what’s happening – whether you’re ahead or behind – your focus should be on finishing the task completely.
- Push through the last minute
The final moments often decide the outcome. Your greatest energy should be saved for the end, when others are tired or distracted.
- Mental mantra: ‘Not done till it’s done’