Kingswood makes impressive return to winning ways

Tuesday, 11 August 2026 00:56 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Kingswood College emerged as one of the most promising new forces in school rugby after finishing runners-up at the All-Island Schools Under-18 Elite Rugby Sevens Championship 2026, worked off at the Royal Sports Complex recently.

The achievement was particularly significant as Kingswood introduced rugby to Sri Lanka in 1906. The Kandy school produced a series of impressive performances to reach the championship final, underlining their potential to become a major force in school rugby during the 2027 season.

Kingswood displayed excellent defensive organisation, discipline and attacking confidence throughout the tournament. Their run to the final also demonstrated the rapid progress made by the players during their debut season.

Although they were beaten 17-12 by a strong St. Peter’s College side in the final, Kingswood had led for much of the contest and came within touching distance of completing a remarkable first-season triumph.

With another year of experience ahead, Kingswood will be among the teams to watch in the 2027 school rugby season. The majority of this promising squad is expected to return, giving the school a strong foundation for further success.

Kingswood opened with a 29-0 win over Thurstan, edged Zahira 14-12 in the quarter-final and defeated D.S. Senanayake 14-7 in the semi-final.

Captain Ashik Asmi led a squad comprising Ravindu Perera, Imaad Jhan, Hirun Karunathilake, Danuka Rathnayake, Sadun Sathsara, Gethmin Dilmina, Inshaf Riyaz, Imesh de Silva, Kalana Jayawardene, Thisal de Silva, Sadew Atigodage, Chanidu Adikari, Himalka Hewage, Dulaj Fernando, Dineth Ranaweera, Shamith Shafraz and Sadaham Induwara. The team was coached by Gayan Rathnage, Alema Pisa Too (Samoa) and Hirusha Sampath, all three on the coaching panel, with Mohomed Fazly as manager, Hashan Premadasa as physiotherapist, Kanishka Charunda as masseur and Vishwa Wellawaththa as Master-in-Charge.