• Asst. coach Rohitha fancied to become head coach

One of Sri Lanka’s oldest rugby club’s CH and FC, is set to totally overhaul its coaching staff during this week, which could result in heads rolling, as the one-time title-winning club seeks a return to glory days of the past.

When contacted the Rugby Convener of the Maitland Crescent-based club, which won the concluded inter-club season’s Plate Championship, Col. Dhammika Gunasekara said that a final decision on the existing coaching team will be taken during this week.

However, informed sources revealed that current head coach Sanath Martis, who had been on a two-year contract, was likely to be shown the door.

According to these sources, Martis along with the rest of his backroom staff are set to pay the price for the team’s less than impressive returns, during the said time period with most of its leading players having either joined other clubs or sought greener pastures overseas.

The CH and FC coaching team apart from Martis, also comprised backs coach Lakala Perera and Strength and Conditioning Coach Ransilu Jaythilleke.

Asked specifically whether Martis will be retained for the 2025-26 season, Col. Gunasekara said the decision to that effect has to be taken by the club’s Rugby Committee and insisted that once it is finalised, it will be announced to the press.

Sources also added that current assistant coach Rohitha Rajapaksa – a former captain of CH and ex-STC skipper, is fancied to take over as their new coach ahead of the next season. 

(JK)