Havelock’s FLYHISPORTS rugby academy catches them young

Some of the beginners at the academy at Havelock Park

FLYHISPORTS Rugby Academy, Sri Lanka’s first internationally collaborated rugby institution, founded and led by Cedric Anthony, marked its first anniversary on July 6, 2025 after bringing together over 950 budding players at a junior tournament.

Established in partnership with Havelock’s Sports Club, the academy has quickly emerged as a beacon for young athletes nationwide.

The primary mission of the academy is to empower young students to unlock their full potential through the sport of rugby. In its inaugural year, FLYHISPORTS Rugby Academy welcomed over 250 students, many of whom engaged in Saturday morning training sessions at Havelock Park. 

The academy’s curriculum, benchmarked against international standards, fosters essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and resilience—qualities crucial in today’s fast-paced world.

The academy boasts an esteemed international coaching team, including Kruger Roach, Orene Ai, and Alema Pisa, who bring invaluable expertise in player development from grassroots to national levels. According to an academy official, the contributions of the trio have significantly enriched the learning experience for both players and local coaches. 

FLYHISPORTS Rugby Academy also provides scholarships to deserving youth across Sri Lanka.

In March 2025, FLYHISPORTS organised a junior rugby tournament at Havelock Park featuring under-10, under-12, and under-14 teams from 15 local academies. 

The event brought together 56 teams and over 950 young athletes, further underscoring the academy’s role in nurturing local talent according to the official.

In a media statement the management of FLYHISPORTS Rugby Academy said it expressed its heartfelt gratitude to all parents for their faith in the academy, as well as to their foreign and local coaching teams and the coordinator for their unwavering support in achieving their objectives. 

“We invite all aspiring junior athletes looking to develop their foundational rugby skills to join FLYHISPORTS Rugby Academy www.flyhiacademy.com,” the statement added while calling upon new entrants to contact Chinthaka de Silva -Academy Coordinator on +94771007379 or email: [email protected]