Reza Mubarak calls it a day

Reza Mubarak

By Shamseer Jaleel

The former Isipathana, Police, Navy SC, Havies and CR & FC player Reza Mubarak, has decided to hang up his boots after a rugby career spanning over 15 years.

One of the safest fullbacks in the game, not to mention a very reliable place kicker, Reza is the current backs coach at Isipathana College following similar stints at Wesley and Royal.

Reza played for the Green Shirts in 2005 and later represented the Junior National team at the Under 19 level. He first represented the national Under 19 outfit in Brunei in 2007 under Sanath Martis. 

Martis speaking to Daily FT said of his former player: “Reza is a genuine fullback with safe hands. A very humble player who will go places. His discipline on and off the field was out of this world. He has won many games for the Park Club and the Red Shirts. In no time he will be a very good coach in the country, as he is a keen learner. I would love to have Reza for one more season as he has lot of rugby in him as a player.”

Reza began his club rugby career at the Longdon Place club before eventual moves to Police SC, Navy SC and finally the Park Club. It was Havies where he matured as a player, going on to represent the senior Sri Lankan XVs at the Asia Five Nations in 2012. The following year he was named the most valuable player.

Sri Lankan rugby legend, Fazil Marija spoke to Daily FT on his former teammate: “Reza is one of the best fullbacks I have played with and against. I was fortunate to have played with him with the national outfit for nearly 10 years. He is one of the most trusted guy at this position. Before the game I always tell him to take care of kicking while I will look after the defenders. This is to make my work so much easier. He is not a flashy player but will do his job to 100 percent. He is a very humble guy who helps people on and off the field. It’s a big loss for Sri Lankan Rugby. I wish him all the success.”  Reza also speaking to Daily FT, stated: “Whatever you do in life, just give it all you’ve got, cause if you don’t you are just wasting your time. Enjoy the game and stay humble. Don’t lose yourself in the midst of wins or losses; integrity is everything. Now that I have decided to hang my boots, I realised it’s not about the trophies I’ve won, but the friendships I’ve made.”