5th R. I. T. Alles Trophy rugby on Saturday

Friday, 18 July 2025 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Zahira College and D. S. Senanayake College will renew their rugby rivalry at the fifth R. I. T. Alles Memorial Challenge Trophy rugby encounter which will be worked off on 19 July at the Zahira College Ground at 4 p.m.

The inaugurated in 2018, the R. I. T. Alles Memorial Challenge Trophy pays tribute to the late Ralph Ignatius Thomas Alles whose contributions to Sri Lankan education have left a lasting legacy. A visionary leader was the founding principal of D. S. Senanayake College in 1967, where he introduced rugby in 1974, laying the foundation for the school’s sporting journey.

He later served as the Director of Studies at Zahira College from 1983 to 1985, where he was admired for his commitment to inclusivity and academic excellence.

The annual encounter not only honours his legacy but also serves as a powerful symbol of unity, camaraderie, and mutual respect between the two institutions. Over the years, this event has grown into more than just a rugby fixture it is a celebration of shared history, values, and friendship through sport.

Both teams have won two matches each in the past.