Malabe Boys’ School rugby hampered by poaching

Malabe Boys’ School launched the next rugby season with a function at the school premises under the patronage of Principal Sisira Guneratne on July 1, 2026. 

Malabe folks have got used to the sound of rubber spikes on boots hitting the ground early in the morning,  and the voice of the coach bellowing at the boys who are at practice. Rugby union is a relatively new sport in Malabe. The boys in this town have at a very early age shown a keen interest on trying their luck at the game, played with the  oval shaped ball. The school that gives them this opportunity is Malabe Boys’ School, which is headed by its Principal Sisira Guneratne. 

On July 1 (Wednesday) the school authorities organised a session to launch the campaign for the next season. But that wouldn’t be an easy task, according to Principal Guneratne. Speaking at the rugby function he said: “I am sad that most of my boys left the school in search of greener pastures. If they were here,  we could have played this (2026) season. Now we have to plan for the next season”

A dejected Guneratne  frowns on other schools which are poaching his players. 

“When other schools approach you, be proud of where you are in the sport because of what Malabe Boys’ School has done for you,” he said.

Ven. Kandavinne Thera, a staff member of the school, said that the boys new to the game must follow the advice of senior players and the coaches to avoid injury and progress in the sport. Malabe Boys’ Boys’ School is led next season by Tharul Hasmitha while the coach is Ajith Fernando.