Vidyartha lock horns with Ananda in rugby

Thursday, 2 July 2026 01:21 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Vidyartha skipper Sadew Dilshara (left) with Ananda skipper Deneth Chamuditha

The 55th William Gopallawa Shield rugby encounter between Vidyartha College and Ananda College will take centre stage at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium on 4 July.

Kick-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.

Recognised as Sri Lanka’s second-oldest inter-school rugby fixture, the William Gopallawa Shield has produced many memorable battles since its inception in 1968 and remains one of the most prestigious annual school rugby encounters.

Ananda College enter the contest on the back of a solid 2026 Dialog Schools Rugby League campaign and will look to capitalise on their experience under skipper Deneth Chamuditha and Head Coach Anura Walpola.

Hosts Vidyartha College, led by Sadew Dilshara and coached by Anurudha Wilwara, will be brimming with confidence after securing promotion to the 2027 Dialog Schools Rugby League Division 1A. They will be determined to reclaim the shield in front of their home supporters.

Of the previous 54 encounters, Vidyartha have won 28, Ananda 24, while two matches ended in draws.(SJ)