Suhiru Anthony bids farewell to club rugby

By Shamseer Jaleel

Former St. Peter’s College, Navy SC, Kandy SC, and present CR & FC player Suhiru Anthony has officially announced his retirement from club rugby, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned over a decade. Known for his speed, strength, and leadership on the field, Anthony leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered by rugby fans across Sri Lanka and beyond. His last series of matches will be the Clifford Cup 2025 tournament.
Anthony began his rugby journey at St. Peter’s College, where he showed immense potential as a schoolboy rugby star under the watchful eyes of head coach Sanath Martis during 2009/10. His performances caught the attention of Navy SC, where he played from 2011-2014. He was part of the league champion outfit.
Following his tenure with Navy SC, Anthony moved to Kandy SC in 2014. His time with Kandy was one of the most successful phases of his career, as he played a crucial role in the club’s dominance in domestic rugby. Between 2014 and 2020, Anthony was a key player in Kandy’s triumphs, winning the league and Clifford Cup multiple times alongside Reshan Weeraratne, Gayan Weeraratne, Fazil Marija, and Nigel Ratwatte.
In 2022, Anthony joined CR & FC, adding experience and depth to the squad. His leadership and skill set proved invaluable as he helped guide the Red Shirts to a league title after a 26-year drought. Throughout his career, he also had the privilege of representing Sri Lanka in multiple international tournaments, playing from 2010 to 2018 and making a return to the national side in 2024.
Beyond club and national representation, Anthony showcased his talents internationally, competing in tournaments in Monaco, Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea, India, Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines in both sevens and fifteens. His exposure to global rugby environments contributed to his growth as a player and leader.
As Anthony steps away from club rugby, his contributions to the sport will remain an inspiration to aspiring young players. His journey from school rugby to the international stage stands as a testament to hard work, dedication, and passion for the game. While his presence on the field will be missed at the club level, he will continue representing the country.