Royal College Rugby celebrates 100 years of respect and passion

The school that has a proud history with the oval ball is set to tackle its centenary year of playing the game of rugby in 2020. 

Royal College takes pride in being one of the leading schools that has produced winning teams over its 100 years in the game. Taking on rugby as early as 1916, the first match was played with arch rivals Trinity College, Kandy in 1920. Matches against other schools started eventually such as against Zahira College in 1925, St. Peter’s College in 1932, St. Joseph’s College in 1955 and S. Thomas’ College in 1956.

The team will be looking forward to defend the League Championship as well as the much coveted Bradby this year as well, which is the 76th Bradby Shield encounter. 2019 was a victorious year with Royal College retaining the Bradby Shield for the fifth consecutive year against Trinity College and emerging as the Schools League Champions for the third consecutive year. They also walked away with the Michael Gunaratne Trophy played against S. Thomas’ College, winning it for the third year in a row, as well as the Major Milroy Fernando Trophy against Isipathana College.  

Speaking at the event of the launching the season, Royal College Rugby Match Organising Committee Chairperson Athula Munasinghe stated: “It is a special year for Royal College Rugby to celebrate 100 years of the game that we all have come to love. Rugby is a game that teaches perseverance, integrity and team spirit like no other. I am sure that the message of instilling respect to others, inculcating values and enhancing leadership qualities in players through rugby will be carried forward another 100 years and more.” 

A logo for Royal College Rugby was also launched to represent the rich history of Royal rugby and to highlight the true commitment towards the sport. It represents the respect that is extended towards opponents, the passion towards rugby as well as the competitiveness and skills of the teams that have and continue to represent Royal College over the years. 

Royal College Rugby is graciously sponsored by NDB Bank this year as the Main Event Sponsor. Arinma Holdings continues to extend its sponsorship as the Team’s Main Sponsor for the second consecutive year. The title of co-sponsor of the team is held by Brandix Lanka who has been part of Royal College Rugby for several years. 

In addition Bolt Gear joins Royal College Rugby as Official Clothing Partner, while Lanka Hospitals takes on the role of Official Healthcare Partner along with Vision Care coming in as the Official Optical Partner. Home Lands Holdings is the Official Tusker Partner, who sponsors the season pass to all ‘Tuskers’ – members of the Royal Rugby support group.

The other brands that join are Olu – Official Water partner, Maggie and Milo – Official Nutrition Partner, Elephant House – Official Soft drinks Partner, Green Cabin – Official Catering Partner, Mobil by Maclarens Holdings – Official Lubricant Partner, Bookmyshow – Official Ticketing Partner, Quadrangle – Official Social Media Partner, Omnicom Media Group – Official PR Partner, Atom Media – Official Digital Media Partner, Cinnamon Grand – Official Hotel Partner, Citipack – Official Courier Partner and Ceylon Cleaners – Official Laundry Partner.