Trinity and Zahira; a historic rugby rivalry

Trinity College

Zahira College 

One of Sri Lanka›s oldest and most respected schools rugby rivalries will be rekindled this weekend when Trinity College, Kandy, and Zahira College, Colombo, lock horns in a fixture steeped in more than a century of tradition.

Trinity first played Royal College in rugby in 1920, while the Bradby Shield encounter was inaugurated in 1945.

A rivalry born in 1924

The rivalry between Trinity and Zahira traces its roots to 1924, another landmark year in Sri Lanka schools rugby. It was in that year that Zahira College introduced rugby and faced Trinity College in its inaugural inter-schools rugby fixture. More than a century later, the contest remains a significant chapter in the rich history of Sri Lankan schools rugby.

When Zahira entered the rugby arena in 1924, Trinity College was already established as one of the country’s premier rugby-playing schools. Their first meeting marked the beginning of a rivalry that would produce memorable contests and several historic milestones.

From 1924 to 1931, Trinity dominated the fixture.

Perhaps the most significant milestone came in 1932 for Zahira, when Zahira became the first school ever to defeat Trinity in rugby, securing a famous 6–3 victory. The triumph remains one of the most celebrated achievements in Zahira’s sporting history.

During the pre-World War II era, Zahira proved to be a formidable opponent, recording victories over Trinity in 1932, 1936, 1938 and 1940. These successes helped establish Zahira as one of the leading rugby powers of the time.

Golden years and interrupted traditions

Following the interruption caused by World War II, Zahira’s rugby fortunes fluctuated before a strong revival in the late 1950s and 1960s. The Green and Gold outfit fielded several outstanding teams and enjoyed fierce contests with Trinity, including during their successful 1962 campaign.

However, a major setback came in 1974 when Zahira suspended its rugby programme. As a result, the annual fixture between the two schools disappeared from the schools rugby calendar for many years.

Since rugby’s return to Zahira, meetings between the traditional rivals have become less frequent, often taking place in league competitions and knockout tournaments rather than as a permanent annual fixture. Nevertheless, every encounter continues to generate considerable interest among rugby enthusiasts.

Recent meetings

One of their most notable recent clashes came in the President’s Trophy Knockout Tournament, where Trinity emerged victorious 32–23 to advance to the semi-finals after a hard-fought contest.

The significance of that victory is heightened by the fact that this current Trinity outfit has so many outstanding performers out of whom three school boys could be singled out as great readers of the game in the form of Althaf, Wijekoon and Abdul Malik, whose contributions have helped shape a Trinity side that has appeared almost invincible at times. (The omission of Abdul Malik in a previous article is sincerely acknowledged and regretted.)

Despite Trinity enjoying greater success in recent decades, Zahira has consistently demonstrated its ability to challenge the country’s leading rugby-playing schools, often overcoming opponents with greater rugby credentials.

Teams arrive in fine form

This year’s clash promises to add another exciting chapter to the rivalry, with both schools entering the match in impressive form.

Zahira has been one of the surprise packages of the current schools rugby season. The Green and Gold outfit produced a stunning 38–34 victory over St. Peter’s College, ending the Peterites’ unbeaten run, before following it up with another impressive 38–24 win over Wesley College.

Meanwhile, Trinity has once again showcased the attacking rugby that has made them perennial contenders. The Lions have recorded several dominant performances this season, highlighted by a commanding 48–15 victory over Royal College. The performance of this Trinity side has been remarkable and does not need any more accolades in this article as a prelude for the Zahira game.

More than just a match

While league points and standings are important, this weekend’s contest represents far more than a regular schools rugby fixture. It is a celebration of a rivalry that began more than a century ago and has survived wars, interruptions and changing eras.

For Trinity, it is another opportunity to uphold a proud rugby tradition.

For Zahira, it is a chance to add another memorable chapter to a history that includes one of the most famous upsets in Sri Lanka schools rugby.

When the two teams take the field this weekend, they will not only be competing for victory but also honouring a rivalry that has helped shape the story of school rugby in Sri Lanka for over 100 years.