The Legacy of Antonian Rugby
Rugby at St. Anthony’s College began in the late 1950s, a time when the sport was still new and unfamiliar to Antonians. The first team was formed in 1956, but it was only in 1961 that real enthusiasm for the game grew, with more boys taking to the field and multiple teams being formed. This marked the true beginning of rugby as part of college life. Through patience
and dedication, the game slowly developed. Anthony’s was competing regularly with established rugby schools, earning respect for its determination and sportsmanship. Memorable milestones, such as the first draw against Trinity, while winning against few other rugby schools in 1968 captained by H.M.Kudoos.The historic win rivals came in 1972 lead by Tuan Dole, reflected how far the college had come in a short time. These achievements were built on teamwork, discipline, and a love for the game rather than resources or long traditions. Over the years, Antonian rugby has grown stronger, earning its place among the respected rugby-playing schools in the country. The proudest moments, including the Under-19 League Championship in 2001 under the leadership of Tikiri Dissanayaka, remind us that success comes through collective effort, discipline, and perseverance. More than victories, rugby at St. Anthony’s has been about building character, fostering friendships, and carrying forward a tradition that inspires every new generation to play with heart and humility. Anthony’s College has played a significant role in shaping Sri Lankan rugby, nurturing disciplined players, playmakers, and leaders who have contributed to the growth of the game over the years
Past Captains
1958 - A. Setunga
1959 - Andre Titus
1960 - Andre Titus
1961 - Winchu Wei
1962 - Winchu Wei
1963 - Ranjith Fernando/Saliya Kulatunga
1964 - Saliya Kulatunga
1965 - Michael Macky
1966 - Patrick Gunaratne
1967 - Basil Hyde
1968 - H.M. Kudoos
1969 - John Henry
1970 - Peter Corteling
1971 - Steve De Silva
1972 - Tuan Dole
1973 - Jeffrey Paul
1974 - Arshad Dole - Mohammed Ali
1975 - Sarath Fernando
1976 - Nihal Gunaratne
1977 - Selvin Bulathsinghala
1978 - Haren Goonawardena / Reinzie Martinez
1979 - Hubert Harley
1980 - Baratha Seneviratne
1981 - L. Ekanayake
1982 - Mohammed Nazaar
1983 - Channa De Costa
1984 - Priyantha Ekanayake
1985 - Mohammed Naliff
1986 - Sanjaya Amunugama
1987 - Senaka Kaluarachchi
1988 - Leroy Fonseka
1989 - Shanitha Fernando
1990 - Rohan Jayasundera
1991 - Lasantha Wijesuriya
1992 - Lalantha Karunatilleke
1993 - Chaminda Marasinghe
1994 - Suranga Kodituwakku
1995 - Malith Silva
1996 - Sameera Silva
1997 - Amila Kulatunga
1998 - Iranga Dissanayake/Isuru Herath
1999 - Salman Kudoos
2000 - Ashan Cooray
2001 - Tikiri Dissanayake *
2002 - Asela Rajaguru
2003 - Suranga Swarnatilake
2004 - Imran Bistamin
2005 - Shaheer Reyal
2006 - Sanjaya Rjaguru
2007 - Kusal Rankothge
2008 - Chanaka Gunarathene
2009 - Amila Weligampola
2010 - Tharindu Chanaka
2011 - Sanke Rajaguru
2012- Panduka Anga
2013- Yakoob Ali
2014- Damian Wijesuriya
2015- Neuman Jecob Dilan
2016- Pasindu Hewavitharana
2017- Dinuk Amarasinghe
2018- Kavinda Amarakoon
2019- Mohommed Makarim
2020- Matheesh Amarasinghe
2022- Jeyan Amarasinghe
2023 - Sahan Keerthisiri
2024 - Oshan Gunarathne
2025 - Omitha Dissanayake
