Shan Althaf leads Trinity rugby outfit

Thursday, 29 January 2026 03:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Trinity College have entrusted the captaincy of their rugby outfit to Shan Althaf, a fourth-year player who steps up after serving as Vice-Captain in 2025.

Shan brings experience, composure, and authority to the Lions as they prepare for another demanding campaign in order to defend the League and move one step forward and win the Knockouts, but their biggest hope is to bring back the Bradby Shield to Kandy.

He is a top-class athlete and football player. He is a former provincial athletics champion, an all-island medallist, and a product of the prestigious Milo Road to Barcelona program in 2018. He also made an early impact in football, finishing as the leading goal scorer in his debut season for the Trinity First XI. Although selected for an Under-18 national rugby tour, injury ruled him out.

In rugby, Shan topped the Cup segment, scoring charts in 2025 with 128 points and delivered match-winning drop goals. He has featured in six Bradby Shield encounters, winning four and earning Player of the Match honours on three occasions, underlining his big-game temperament.

He will be supported by Vice-Captain Udan Wijekoon, a nippy scrum half and Rugby Lion winner, alongside fellow Vice-Captain Nisith Kumarasinghe, a powerful forward and Lion recipient.

Trinity enjoyed an outstanding 2025 season, winning the League and finishing runners-up in the Knockout tournament.

Sri Lanka rugby legend Fazil Marija continues as Head Coach in his third term, with Viraj Prashanth operating as the Forwards Coach. Kapila Silva is the Team Manager, with Kanchana Galagoda as Master in Charge.