Sports

Zahira aims for top-six finish in Rugby League

Zahira College, with 12 senior players and a few talented juniors in their ranks are targeting a top-six finish in the 2026 Inter-Schools Under-19 League Rugby Tournament.

The lads from Maradana, have already made a stunning impact this year having recorded a historic 29-26 win over favourites Royal College after a lapse of 63 years.

“Our main goal is to top the group standings and thereafter, we will be targeting a place among the top six,” Zahira Head Coach Radhika Hettiarachchi said.

“This year we have made a lot of changes with our training and preparations. We had a very successful off-season training program as well. The boys have responded well with some good training sessions, fitness and gym sessions while targeting the new season.”

“But we struggled a little bit without a few of the players due to the Ordinary Level Examination during the off-season training program. We also had a few issues during the fasting period, during which time the President’s Trophy Knock-Out Tournament was held.”

“We could not properly continue with our training sessions during that time because it was an in-and-out situation with the players at regular intervals.”

“Despite that, I think the team performed really well to reach the quarter-finals of the President’s Trophy Knock-Out Tournament before losing to the eventual champions Trinity College 23-32.”

“The boys are now geared up to give their one hundred percent in the League Tournament. I think all the teams participating in the League have an equal chance and it will be a challenging task for us.”

“Last year was a turning point for us as we identified a lot of mistakes and our weak areas and moving into this season we are well prepared and focused for the League Tournament,” Zahira Captain, Hakeem Chunchi said.

Zahira Under-19 Rugby Pool for 2026

Prop forwards: Abdullah Hassan, Rizly Ahamed, Habeeb Uzni, Ayaan Shameer, Hakam Hatham.

Hooker: Ahamed Arafath, Sahib Ishan.

Second row forwards: Aaqib Imraas, Ahamed Riyaz, Zain Hassan, Aakif Azmil.

Flankers: Saifullah Zulfikar, Rifnaz Rimshard, Shaheel Shiyam.

No. 8: Muzil Samath.

Scrum Halves: Afham Abdeen, Ilyas Saraph.

Fly Half: Kamran Amin.

Centres: Basith Feroz, Hakeem Chunchi (Captain), Ameen Rifaz, Farhan Fazlath, Zain Zahim.

Wingers: Ibrahim Irfan, Lisath Pathirana, Pahan Aloka, Ghani Saraph, Akmal Azwar, Rilwan Rizly.

Full Back: Imadh Inam, Ashfaq Hassan.

Head Coach: Radhika Hettiarachchi.