Adhil, Wihanga propel Asoka College to maiden All-Island rugby title

The victorious Asoka College Under-14 rugby team with school Principal Buddika Attanayake, Vice Principal, coaching staff and school rugby officials

Player of the Tournament Asoka College’s Adhil Naushad who scored eight tries

• Create rugby history with unbeaten Under-14 Premier Sevens triumph

Asoka College, Colombo, scripted a golden chapter in their rugby history, by clinching the All-Island Under-14 Premier Rugby Sevens Championship 2026 with a thrilling 28-21 victory over Dudley Senanayake MV in a fiercely contested Cup final played at Hettipola Public grounds, Kurunegala.

Organised by the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA), the tournament featured 32 schools, with the young Asokians producing an unbeaten campaign to secure their first-ever All-Island rugby title, a landmark achievement coming a decade after the school finished runners-up in the Under-14 Milo Cup 10-a-side competition.

The final was a pulsating encounter, with both sides displaying attacking flair, determined defence and exceptional schoolboy rugby. However, Asoka’s clinical finish and teamwork ultimately proved decisive.

The defining passage of play came through a brilliantly executed pass involving scrum-half Sasath Sandiv and prop Thehas Bandara, with fly-half Adhil Naushad putting the finishing touches to the decisive try.

Captain Wihanga Pansilu Ashinsa also produced a moment of individual brilliance, powering through two defenders to cross the white line. Naushad was undoubtedly Asoka’s attacking spearhead, running in eight tries throughout the tournament. Skipper Pansilu was equally influential with six tries, while Bandara added two and Aathik Naushad contributed another. Sanuth Dasanayake also crossed the try line and provided valuable conversions.

Scrum-half Sandiv was outstanding, combining intelligent distribution with several crucial, try-saving tackles. His quick service repeatedly created scoring opportunities for Naushad and the outside backs.

Winger Sanuj Nethuka and replacement scrum-half Maheesha Sadev made valuable contributions whenever called upon, demonstrating the squad’s impressive depth. Emerging players Resath Silva, Shabir Ahamed and Saven Themika also showed considerable promise after graduating from Under-12 rugby.

The Asokians opened their campaign by overwhelming Panadura Royal College 35-0 before defeating Rangiri Dambulla Vidyalaya 35-7. Following a walkover against Eheliyagoda Central College, they swept aside tournament favourites S. Thomas’ Preparatory School, Kollupitiya 28-7.

A commanding 42-12 quarter-final victory over Athugalpura Kumara Vidyalaya paved the way for their memorable Cup final triumph.

Asoka College Principal Buddika Attanayake hailed the achievement as a defining moment for the school’s sporting ambitions.

“This historic victory reflects the determination of our young players and the collective commitment of our coaches, teachers and parents. Winning our first All-Island rugby title is an immense source of pride and an inspiration for future generations of Asokians,” he said.

Coach Suranga Arunashantha, a former Air Force rugby player and national-level referee with development squad experience in 2000–01, credited the team’s discipline and collective spirit to the win.

“These boys played with tremendous courage and belief. Adhil’s finishing and Wihanga’s leadership were outstanding, but our real strength was teamwork, particularly Sasath’s intelligent distribution and committed defence. Completing the tournament unbeaten makes this achievement truly special,” he said.

The starting seven comprised Wihanga Pansilu Ashinsa, Thehas Bandara, Isuka Siriwardana, Sasath Sandiv, Adhil Naushad, Sanuth Nethmira and Chenuk Sandil.

Asoka’s achievement was supported by Masters-in-Charge Nuwan Abeysinghe and Mrs. Hasitha Premaratne, Vice Principal Chamara Adipaththu, Prefect of Games Sagarika Kulatunga and Principal Attanayake, alongside the unwavering dedication of parents.

Dudley Senanayake MV finished Cup runners-up, while S. Thomas’ Preparatory School claimed the Shield and Nalanda College, Colombo, secured the Bowl.