Marambe unpacks Trinity’s defeat and Sri Lanka Rugby’s woes ‘You can’t win finals with one star’

Fazil Marija has lifted Trinity’s fortunes

By Allaam Ousman

Veteran rugby figure Tikiri Marambe, a former Sri Lanka captain and national selection committee chairman, offered a measured and insightful view of the recently concluded Dialog Schools Rugby League final between Trinity College and Isipathana College - while also sharing his thoughts on the broader state of rugby in Sri Lanka.

Marambe, who once donned the Trinity jersey and went on to represent CR & FC, Air Force SC and the national side, had been cautiously optimistic about his alma mater’s chances ahead of the final. 

Speaking before the decider, he acknowledged Isipathana’s impressive run but noted that underdog status can sometimes play in a team’s favour.

“Isipathana came in with rhythm and confidence and that gave them an edge,” he said. “But finals are unpredictable. Trinity needed to play with more cohesion and not lean too heavily on individual brilliance, especially from their full-back (Shan Althaf).”

Following Isipathana’s well-earned win, Marambe praised their structure and execution, pointing to their tactical discipline and collective effort.

“Finals are won by teams, not individuals. Isipathana played as a unit - they stuck to a well-prepared game plan and delivered under pressure,” he observed. “Trinity showed glimpses of potential but lacked the same level of tactical depth and composure.”

Still, Marambe was generous in his praise for Trinity’s season, noting that despite the loss, they have re-established themselves among the elite after several lean years. He reserved special credit for full-back Shan Althaf, predicting him as a future Sri Lanka prospect and lauded Head Coach Fazil Marija and Assistant Viraj Prasanna for rejuvenating Trinity’s rugby culture. “Marija’s experience as a national player has clearly influenced Trinity’s style. Viraj’s support has been crucial too. They’ve rebuilt the foundation - now it’s about developing depth and balance,” Marambe said.

He also extended gratitude to Dialog Axiata for their continued sponsorship of school rugby. “Without dedicated sponsors like Dialog, we wouldn’t see this kind of exposure or opportunity for our young players.”

Shifting focus to the national scene, Marambe reflected on Sri Lanka’s recent international outings, including the historic tour by New Zealand under-85kg team. While recognising the value of the experience, he questioned the team selection strategy.

“We didn’t field our best team against New Zealand and that was a missed opportunity. These matches are important - we must send our strongest side every time,” he said. “There’s no room for politics or affiliations when it comes to national representation. Selection must be purely on merit.”

He added that while performances for international outings - in Hong Kong, Korea, and the UAE - showed promise, the inability to finish scoring opportunities remains a major concern.

“The effort is there but we need sharper execution and greater cohesion. That’s the next step if we want to be truly competitive.”

Marambe also weighed in on the local vs foreign coach debate, offering a nuanced take.

“We have excellent local coaches with international exposure – (Sanath) Martis, (Dushanth) Lewke, Marija - but conflicts of interest can get in the way. At times, bringing in a foreign coach or referee adds neutrality, especially in a system where club and school loyalties sometimes interfere with national priorities.”

According to Marambe, what matters most is building a transparent and supportive structure that prioritises national development over personal or institutional agendas.

Marambe expressed strong support for the weight-restricted rugby concept, especially in the context of Sri Lanka’s player profile.

“It’s a fantastic initiative. Given that we’re not a country known for size, this format allows players to compete more safely and rely on skill rather than brute force,” he said.

He thanked those responsible for introducing the initiative to Sri Lanka - including former Sri Lanka captain Priyantha Ekanayake along with Nalin de Silva and Inthi Marikkar - for their forward-thinking efforts.

In closing, Marambe urged all stakeholders - players, coaches, and administrators - to remember the true spirit of the sport.

“There’s too much division at the moment. We need to bring back the pride of playing for your school, your club, your country. Rugby is about unity, sacrifice, and passion. If we build the right systems and field our best players, Sri Lanka Rugby can once again be a force to reckon with.”