Unbeaten Trinity create history with Rugby Double

By Shamseer Jaleel

They overcame challenges, silenced every doubter and wrote one of the greatest chapters in Trinity College’s illustrious rugby history. Under the leadership of Shan Althaf, the Lions completed an extraordinary unbeaten 2026 campaign, capturing both the President’s Trophy Knockout Championship and the Dialog Schools Rugby League in emphatic fashion.

Yet, despite achieving the coveted double, Trinity know their final mission is still to be accomplished as the 80th Bradby Shield encounters against Royal College await them, along with the Schools Sevens.

Many seasoned observers regard this team as one of the finest ever produced by Trinity in more than 120 years of rugby. Having ended a 38-year wait for the league title in 2025, expectations were enormous. Rather than feeling the burden of defending their crown, the Lions responded with fearless, attacking rugby, combining power, pace and discipline to dominate every opponent they faced throughout the season.

Leading from the front was Shan Althaf, whose composed leadership and outstanding performances set the standard for the entire squad. He was superbly supported by vice-captain Udan Wijekoon, who was the unsung hero for most of the time, while co-vice-captain Nisith Kumarasinghe also played his leadership role. Every player embraced his responsibility. Trinity’s success was built on collective effort, unwavering commitment and exceptional team spirit rather than individual brilliance alone.

The campaign began in commanding fashion at Pallekele with a convincing 55-12 victory over Lumbini College, which was the Lions’ only home game, before they embarked on a demanding sequence of away fixtures. Comfortable wins followed against St. Anthony’s College (58-5), Sumangala College (39-0), D.S. Senanayake College (41-10) and Isipathana College (36-12).

The Super Round tested the champions even further. Travelling to Colombo on no fewer than 10 occasions across both the league and knockout competitions, Trinity displayed outstanding consistency under difficult conditions. They brushed aside Royal College 48-15 before overcoming Wesley College 42-10 with another polished display. Their toughest assignments came against Zahira College, whom they defeated 37-32, and St. Peter’s College (20-7), where the Lions were forced to dig deep before emerging victorious to preserve their unbeaten record.

The victory over St. Peter’s carried even greater significance as it ended an 11-year winless streak against the Bambalapitiya school, making it one of the sweetest triumphs in recent Trinity rugby history.

Earlier in the season, Trinity produced another unforgettable performance by overwhelming Royal College 58-26 in the President’s Trophy Knockout final. It was one of the most dominant displays ever witnessed in a major schools final and secured the school’s first knockout title since 2011, completing another important milestone in the programme’s revival. They also defeated Thurstan College, Wesley College and Zahira College on their way to the knockout final.

Head Coach Fazil Marija has taken Trinity to the benchmark of Sri Lankan schools rugby. The former Kingswood College, Kandy SC and Sri Lanka star has instilled professionalism, supreme fitness, tactical discipline and an exciting attacking philosophy that has elevated Trinity to another level.

Marija’s achievements over the past three seasons have been remarkable. He guided Trinity to the Bradby Shield in 2024 after a decade-long wait, ended the school’s 38-year league title drought in 2025 and, in 2026, delivered an unbeaten league campaign, the President’s Trophy and the memorable victory over St. Peter’s at Bambalapitiya. Few coaches have enjoyed such an extraordinary impact in such a short period.

Shan Althaf and his men know the ultimate chapter has yet to be written. The 80th Bradby Shield, to be played on 11 and 25 July, now offers the perfect opportunity to cement their place as arguably the greatest Trinity rugby team of all time.