Frank Hubert appeals to Peterites

Frank Hubert (centre) with two other illustrious products of St. Peter’s College, Bernard Wijetunga (right-cricket captain) and Angelo Wickremaratne (cricket and rugby) when sport was sport

Former St. Peter’s College cricketer, rugby player, Sri Lanka exponent and referee Frank Hubert makes a fervent plea in this article exclusively to the Daily Mirror in which he calls on all Peterites to take stock of how and why his alma mater holds a special place in the sporting annals of the country.

‘Dear all rugby Peterites and supporters of the College Rugby Fraternity in Sri Lanka, the purpose of my article is not to judge or condone what has transpired at St Peter’s College recently, but to remind all of you about the rich and proud history of our beloved College.

In my opinion, St Peter’s College rugby history revolves around one man — Archiebald Perera — who selflessly dedicated 26 years (1956–1982) of his life as honourary coach.

When he began his journey, he had no internet, no videos, no professional training camps — only a small collection of books outlining the basic skills and ploys (now called tactics). Yet with this humble foundation, he built something far greater than just rugby teams — he built “character”. Guided by simplicity, discipline and respect, he embodied what Confucius called ‘Ren’ — humanity and compassion — teaching not only how to play the game, but how to live with honour.

As everyone knows, Archie was one of the finest fly-halves produced by Sri Lanka, and one of the first locals to represent the All Ceylon First XV, a team then dominated by British expats. I first met this legend in 1972, kicking a football against the college pavilion. He saw me kicking easily with both feet and told me to play rugby. I had never even seen a rugby ball before, though I had lived eight years in Tottenham, North London. 

From that moment, he became my teacher and guide — first teaching me the rules, then the basics, and then the deeper lessons of humility, perseverance, and integrity. Like many before and after me, I went on to represent College, the nation, and later to coach and referee — carrying forward what he had instilled in us.

We were taught what he was taught — to respect the jersey, to honour those who wore it before us, to maintain discipline and decorum at all times. Archie never raised his voice, never hurled abuse and never lifted a hand in anger. Yet we all listened — because he led with quiet authority and moral strength. Confucius once said: “The superior man leads not by words, but by example.” Archie was that kind of man — firm yet kind, humble yet unyielding in principle. His message was simple but profound: “Play up, play up, and play the game. It does not matter if you win or lose, but how you play the game.” This was not just a slogan — it was a philosophy. It reflected the Confucian ideal of ‘Yi’ — righteousness — doing what is right rather than what is easy or self-serving.

Under his guidance, we learned that the true victory was not over an opponent, but over oneself.

Over 26 years, this great man produced teams of quality, year after year — teams that played with flair, purpose, and the strongest fundamentals of rugby. But more importantly, they played with integrity. When St Peter’s took the field, rugby was played in the spirit of ‘Li’ — with discipline, respect, and grace. Win or lose, St Peter’s Rugby was respected by all, because our teams carried themselves with dignity, not arrogance.

He had a quick wit and a sharp mind, delivering his lessons with humour and wisdom. Every player who wore the Blue, White, and Gold jersey felt a sense of pride and belonging. We knew that when we took the field, we represented not only our College, but a man whose life was a lesson in humility, dedication and honour.

As players, we were taught never to show indiscipline — on or off the field — because rugby was more than a sport. It was, as Confucius would say, a path to self-cultivation — a way to refine one’s conduct, one’s respect for others, and one’s inner strength.

In 1982, I faced the difficult task of taking over from this great man after his passing. I was just 27 years old, newly retired from playing, and had little support from the College. Only then did I realise the magnitude of the sacrifice Archie had made —26 years of service without complaint, without compensation, driven only by ‘Zhong’ — loyalty and duty — to his College and his players.

And so, I say this with deep conviction: “No matter how many trophies or cups St Peter’s may have won since — with paid coaches, advanced facilities, and modern strategies — nothing can ever erase the legacy that Archiebald Perera left for St Peter’s Rugby.”

His legacy was never about silverware. It was about “character”. It was about “discipline, humility, respect, and love for the game”. It was about creating good men — before creating good players.

Archiebald Perera’s life reminds us that the true spirit of sport is not “winning at all costs,” but winning through honour. His example stands as a timeless lesson — that greatness is not measured in trophies, but in the lives one shapes and the values one leaves behind.

He was, and always will be, the one true legend of our beloved College.

Frankie Hubert

(Student, Player, Captain and Honorary Coach (1982-1985)

St. Peter’s College will revive its rugby academy after six years and conduct their inter house championship at Bambalapitiya today. Here the six teams in the fray from junior level, Peter House (Rashid Raman), Nicholas House (Sanuka Kotalawela), Maurice House (Aritha Jayasingha), Basil House (Avinash Balasubramanium), Arthur House (Jordan Melder) and Anthony House (Rishane Wijenayaka) display their respective jerseys