Nigel Ratwatte retires from club rugby after 15 glorious years

Friday, 4 April 2025 01:47 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Nigel Ratwatte

Nigel Ratwatte, one of Sri Lanka’s most versatile, accomplished, knowledgeable and artful rugby players in the recent past has announced his retirement from club rugby after an illustrious 15-year career. He will play the last encounter on 6 April at the Clifford Cup final Against CR in front of his home crowd at Nittawela Rugby Stadium.

Nigel started his junior rugby at Trinity College and moved to South Africa for his studies and played rugby. Having started his club rugby journey at CR & FC, he moved to Up Country Lions in Nawalapitiya before returning to where he was born to play for a Kandy SC, where he represented for 12 successful years.

Ratwatte was widely regarded as a super reader of the game, excelling in multiple positions across the backline. His ability to dictate play, make crucial decisions, and execute under pressure made him a key asset to every team he represented. His leadership on and off the field helped shape the success of Kandy SC during his tenure.

His talents were not confined to club rugby alone. Ratwatte was a mainstay in the Sri Lanka national setup, representing the country in both the sevens and fifteens formats. From 2012 onwards, he was a regular member of the national sevens team, competing in high-profile international tournaments.

He represented Sri Lanka at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, a prestigious milestone in his career. Additionally, he played a vital role in the Sri Lankan squad during the Asian Games held in South Korea, competing against some of the best teams in the region.

Ratwatte also featured prominently in the Hong Kong Sevens, a globally renowned tournament that attracts elite teams from around the world. His presence in the Asian Sevens Series, including legs in Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, further highlighted his importance to the national team.

Beyond sevens, he contributed immensely to Sri Lanka’s fifteens rugby, playing key matches, including a notable appearance against the Philippines. His skill set allowed him to adapt seamlessly between the two formats, showcasing his rugby intelligence and adaptability.

During his time at Kandy SC, Ratwatte played a pivotal role in the club’s dominance in Sri Lankan rugby. Kandy SC won every major title except for the previous season’s league.

As he steps away from club rugby, Ratwatte leaves behind a legacy of passion, dedication, and success. His impact on the game will be remembered by teammates, coaches, and fans who witnessed his brilliance on the field.

Though his playing days may be over, his influence on Sri Lankan rugby is far from finished. His experience and knowledge could see him transition into a mentoring or coaching role, guiding the next generation of players.

For now, Sri Lankan rugby bids farewell to one of its finest playmakers, celebrating a career filled with achievements, leadership, and unforgettable moments. The Nittawela home crowd will miss him badly from next season and the vacuum created is a tough one to fill for his Head Coach, Fazil Marija.

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