40th Blazé Trophy in Kandy

Saturday, 18 July 2026 05:51 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Kingswood and Wesley leadership players with the Blaze Trophy

By Shamseer Jaleel

One of Sri Lanka’s oldest and most treasured schools rugby rivalries will once again take centre stage when Kingswood College host Wesley College in the 40th Blazé Trophy encounter at Nittawela Rugby Stadium today.

Kick-off is at 4 p.m.

The First XV encounter will be played for the Blazé Trophy, while the junior games will be worked off for the P.H. Nonis Trophy (Under-12), N.J. Mudanayake Trophy (Under-14), Shelton Wirasinghe Shield (Under-16) and the Kenneth de Lanerolle Trophy (Second XV).

The Blazé Trophy, first played in 1986, commemorates Louis Edmond Blazé, the visionary founder of Kingswood College and the man universally recognised as the Father of Sri Lanka Rugby.

Defending champions Wesley College will be chasing history by securing a fifth successive Blazé Trophy triumph. Under the guidance of current national forwards coach Terrence Henry, the Double Blues enjoyed another competitive season, finishing sixth in the Dialog Schools Rugby League before advancing to the semi-finals of the President’s Trophy Knockout Tournament.

Wesley will once again rely on the leadership of centre Kaizer Lye, whose attacking flair and defensive strength have made him one of the standout players this season. He will be supported by an experienced group that includes hard-working flanker Liam Onasis, powerful hooker Keshara Rahul and speedy winger Prarthana Rodrigo, giving the visitors quality in both the forwards and the three-quarter line.

Kingswood College, meanwhile, will be determined to reclaim the trophy in front of their passionate home supporters. The Randles Hill outfit will be captained by Sachithra Naveesha, while flankers Chanidu Adikari and Menusha Marasinghe are expected to spearhead the forward challenge. Familiarity with the Nittawela conditions could prove a significant advantage as the hosts attempt to halt Wesley’s remarkable winning streak.

Veteran referee Ishanka Abeykoon will officiate the main encounter.