Tributes come in for late Zubair Doray

By Shamseer Jaleel

Former Wesley College, CR & FC, national XV’s and sevens player, Zubair Deen Doray, passed away in Colombo on Sunday.

Doray, a former Sri Lanka rugby player and coach of Wesley College, represented his alma mater in three sports. He represented Wesley College in hockey, cricket and rugby. His youngest son Murshid Zubair played rugby for Wesley, CR & FC and the junior national outfit.

Speaking to Daily FT, Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) President Rizly Ilyas said: “He was senior to me. I used to watch him play. Zubair was like an iron man, He was rock solid, last man in defence and the only fullback I knew that could not kick but always ran with the ball with lightning pace. He was a very humble guy. I worked close with him in business a decade back and used to play football with him. He will be missed.”

Reflecting on the loss one of the ‘Red Shirts’ popular sons, CR & FC President Ted Hiran Muttiah speaking to Daily FT, said: “Zubair Doray represented CR & FC and Sri Lanka with distinction just as his late father Kudus, before him. Doray was an unassuming and easy going team mate, calm in every situation. A safe fullback in defence and a joy to watch in attack. 

“We look to the continuation of the Doray legacy through his son, Murshid, who is an emerging talent at CR, after a stellar school rugby career at Wesley College. Like father like son. Zubair would love that. May the turf lay gently on him.”