Royal College Rugby Season 2026 kicks off

Friday, 24 April 2026 02:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Royal College, Colombo, is set to launch the Inter-Schools Rugby Tournament on 26 April 2026, against Science College. The much-anticipated Under-19 rugby season is just around the corner, with leading schools preparing to deliver an exciting and competitive tournament for rugby enthusiasts.

Royal College will host five home games this season, including the 1st Leg of the historic 80th Bradby Shield Encounter against Trinity College, Kandy. The traditional trophy clash against St. Peter’s College will also be a key highlight of the season.

No. 08 Disas Pathirana has been appointed as the Royal College Captain for the 2026 season, with Savistha Fernando serving as Vice-Captain. Former St. Peter’s College skipper Bhanuka Nanayakkara has been appointed as Head Coach, while former Royalist and current Havelock SC player Azmir Fajudeen takes on the role of Forwards Coach.

Royal College enjoyed a highly successful season last year, securing all traditional trophies, including the prestigious Bradby Shield after a lapse of one year. The team also finished as runners-up in the recently concluded President’s Knockout Trophy. Heading into the 2026 season, Royal will be aiming to reclaim the league championship for the first time since 2019, while also looking to successfully defend the Bradby Shield.

Led by the Royal College Rugby Match Organising Committee, the 80th Bradby Shield Encounter is expected to attract a large and passionate crowd, continuing its legacy as one of the most celebrated fixtures in school rugby.

The Platinum Sponsors for Royal Rugby 2026 is Brandix. Maliban, Unilever – Rexona, Bixton, and Fondre come on board as Gold/Co-Sponsors, while TVS, Street Burger, Hayleys Mobility, and Home Lands support the tournament as Silver Sponsors. American Water joins as the Team Hydration Partner, with Vision Care as the Eyewear Partner and Technomedics as the Healthcare Solutions Partner. Classic Travel comes in as the Travel Partner, alongside Lanka Hospitals as the Healthcare Partner. The Papare will serve as the Broadcasting Partner, while Ralhum Sports supports the team as the Sports Equipment Partner and Bolt Gear as the Clothing Partner. Prima – Kottu Mee joins as the Specialty Food Partner, with Yes FM as the Official Radio Partner. These valued partnerships continue to play a vital role in supporting and developing school rugby in Sri Lanka, contributing to the growth and success of the Royal Rugby program.

Royal Rugby Fixtures 2026

26 April – Science College (Home)
3 May – Thurstan College (Away)
9 May – Zahira College (Home)
17 May – Kingswood College (Away)
23 May – S. Thomas’ College (Home) – Michael Gunaratne Trophy
TBD – St. Peter’s College – B.C. Angie Memorial Trophy
TBD – Isipathana College (Home) – Major Milroy Fernando Trophy
11 July – Trinity College (Home) – Bradby Shield 1st Leg
25 July – Trinity College (Away) – Bradby Shield 2nd Leg