Wesley Rugby launches 2026 season

• Honours key sponsors 

Wesley College, Colombo, officially inaugurated its 70th rugby season with a press conference and sponsors’ felicitation held recently at the Campbell Park pavilion.

The event, held on Wednesday (29 April), marked a milestone year as the school celebrates its 152nd anniversary, setting the tone for the upcoming season.

The “Double Blues” will be led by fourth-year coloursman Kazier Lye, with Vice-captain Nelith Hapugalla and Deputy Vice-captain Pawan Thiranagama, both fourth-year coloursmen.

The team will be guided by head coach Henry Terence, former Sri Lanka “Tusker” league-winning captain and current national forwards coach. He is joined by Thilina Weerasinghe, a former Sri Lanka and Navy SC skipper, who serves as the three-quarter and kicking coach, while former Wesley captain Omar Kuthubdeen takes on duties as backs coach.

The squad’s support staff includes physiotherapist Tharanga Galapitawatta, trainer Madhuka Marasinghe, and team manager Shem Mendis (former Wesley captain). Bro. Piumal Perera continues as Master-in-Charge.

Citizens Development Business (CDB) and Deedat will power the 2026 season, with CDB returning as principal sponsor and Deedat coming on board as Silver Sponsor.

Wesley College took up rugby in 1956 under its first captain Eddie Buell. Former schoolmaster Donton D’Abrera, regarded as the ‘Father of Wesley Rugby,’ played a key role in developing the sport at the school.

The side is yet to secure a Schools Rugby League title, having finished as runners-up in 1997 and 2003/04. Their most notable success came in 2013 when they won the President’s Trophy Knock-out tournament under Rahul de Silva.

In 2022, under Tharusha Jayaweera, Wesley finished fourth in the League and reached the knockout semi-finals.

The 2025 season marked a strong performance across age groups, with the Under-18 and Under-16 teams emerging as All-Island Champions and the Under-14 side finishing as runners-up. The 1st XV also finished as overall runners-up in the Dialog Schools Rugby League, narrowly missing out on the title to Trinity College, Kandy.

Wesley also retained the Blaze Trophy for a fourth consecutive year against Kingswood College and the Sir Oliver Goonetilleke Shield against S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia. A key highlight was their win over Royal College, ending a 20-year drought at the Royal College Sports Complex.

The Wesley rugby fraternity has called on supporters to enjoy the season with true sportsmanship while upholding the spirit of the game.

source - The Morning