Nigel Ratwatte to lead Sri Lanka against Malaysia

Thursday, 17 April 2025 01:15 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

Nigel Ratwatte, one of Sri Lanka’s most knowledgeable and artful rugby players will lead the Sri Lankan XV’s against the Malaysian outfit on 19 April at the Race Course ground in Colombo.

Nigel who retired from club rugby recently after 15 long years 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 and returning to 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 will be expected for the national team as well.

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 at 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.

Sanath Martis will be the head coach of the outfit with Saliya Kumara looking after the backs while Dushanth Lewke in charge of the forwards while Tharaka Algama will be the trainer of the outfit. The rest of the 24 players in the squad will be named today (17 April).