Keith Paul: Royal rugby legend passes away in Toronto

Royal college rugby team of 1964 led by Keith Paul 

Keith Paul, one of Sri Lanka’s finest rugby players and a beloved sportsman, passed away in Toronto, Canada, where he had been residing in recent years. He was best known for captaining the unbeaten Royal College rugby team in 1964 and representing Dimbulla, Upcountry, CR & FC, and the national team with distinction.
His leadership on the field during the 1964 season remains etched in Bradby Shield folklore. That year, he went head-to-head with the mercurial Mohan Sahayam of Trinity College in a much-anticipated clash billed as Paul vs Sahayam — a showdown of tactical genius versus creative flair. While Sahayam dazzled with his unpredictable magic — the now-legendary ‘Sahayam Specials’ — it was Paul’s composed leadership and team cohesion that secured Royal victories in both legs of the encounter.
In the return leg in Kandy, Royal’s Lucky Dissanayake famously dropped goaled his way to 11 of Royal’s 14 points, a decisive blow against Trinity’s early spark. Under Paul’s guidance, Royal College maintained their unbeaten streak, cementing his reputation as a calm but formidable leader.
Beyond school rugby, Keith Paul continued to shine in Sri Lanka’s domestic and national rugby scene, donning jerseys for Dimbulla, Upcountry, and the prestigious CR & FC, eventually representing Ceylon with pride and prowess. His contributions to the sport were not only in gameplay but also in the camaraderie and sportsmanship he consistently displayed.
Perhaps one of the most touching moments in his post-playing life came decades later in Toronto. At a reunion hosted by Sam Canagasabay, where over 50 guests gathered, Paul stunned his long-time rival and friend, Sahayam, with an emotional gesture. In an unforgettable moment, Keith presented the actual rugby ball used in the 1964 Bradby — carefully preserved and inscribed with the names of all the players — as a gift. The act moved Sahayam deeply, symbolising a lifetime of mutual respect and enduring friendship that transcended competition.
Keith Paul will be remembered not just for his exceptional rugby skills, but for the graciousness and kindness that defined him off the field. A gentleman in every sense, his legacy is woven into the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan rugby history.
He leaves behind a legacy of sporting excellence, warm friendship, and timeless class.
May he rest in peace.