Isipathana College Rugby
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Official page of the Green Machine
Leagues: 16 | Knockouts: 15 | 7's: 16 The sport took root in the late 1950s when Mrs. In 1961, headmaster H. T. W. R.
Isipathana College, originally known as Greenlands College, has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in Sri Lankan schools' rugby, earning the nickname "The Green Machine." Geddes, an English teacher and rugby enthusiast, attempted to introduce rugby to the school. Though her initial efforts did not yield immediate results, they set the stage for future success. de Silva, with the help of rugby aficionados including Jayantha Fernando, formed the first rugby team. Led by Randy C Keller, whose father played for Havelocks Club, the team initially competed in junior matches before playing their first 1st XV game in 1963. Coached by Brian Ingram, they won their debut match against St. Anthony’s College, Kandy, 8-0. By 1965, Isipathana was recognized by the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU), marking the beginning of an era of success. Under various coaches and captains, Isipathana went on a four-year unbeaten streak from 1965 to 1969, earning the moniker "Kings of Schools' Rugby." Their dominance continued through the 1970s and 1980s, with significant contributions from players like Hafi Abdeen and Nalin de Silva. Under the legendary coaching of O. Perera from 1978 to 1989, Isipathana achieved unprecedented success, including their first triple championship in 1985 and 1986. They also excelled in sevens rugby, winning the inaugural schools' sevens championship in 1971 and securing the Phillip Buultjens trophy multiple times. Isipathana’s golden year was 1992, when they won six out of seven major trophies, including the Under-19 triple crown. In 1997 and 1999, they became the first school to win the Under-19 Grand Slam. Their success wasn't limited to local competitions. The school made a mark internationally, participating in the Asian Schools Rugby Championship and earning accolades such as the "Most Outstanding Team" and "Most Exciting Team." Isipathana's rugby excellence has been sustained by the dedication of students, staff, parents, and sponsors. Pioneers like Randy Kellar, H. de Silva, Frankie David, and coaches like O. Perera have played pivotal roles in nurturing the sport at the school. Today, Isipathana College stands as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the power of determination, teamwork, and passion in achieving rugby greatness. Go Pathana Go!
13/09/2026
Isipathana College 1st XV Rugby 2027 | Coaching Staff
Introducing the coaching staff leading the Green Machine into the 2027 rugby season.
Head Coach & Director Rugby: Sanath Martis
Backs Coach: Lasintha De Costa
Forwards Coach / Development Squad: Omalkа Gunaratne
Head Coach – Development Squad / Skills Coach: Srinath Sooriyabandara
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Vishwamithra Jayasinghe
12/09/2026
CHAMPIONS of the S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia U18 Invitational Rugby 7s Tournament 2026!
A look back at Isipathana’s Cup campaign:
Cup Final: Isipathana 21–12 S. Thomas’
Cup Semi-Final: Isipathana 20–00 St. Anthony’s
Cup Quarter-Final: Isipathana 43–07 Wesley
Rugby2026
12/09/2026
Full Time: Isipathana secures a 24–00 win over S. Thomas’ Preparatory at the S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia U18 Invitational Rugby 7’s Tournament 2026.
Full Time: Isipathana finishes with a 43–00 win over Thurstan at the S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia U18 Invitational Rugby 7’s Tournament 2026.
Full Time: Isipathana records a 33–07 win over Science at the S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia U18 Invitational Rugby 7’s Tournament 2026.
12/09/2026
It’s time to take on the challenge at the S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia U18 Invitational Rugby 7’s Tournament 2026!
U18 Green Machine faces three group-stage battles:
🆚 S. Thomas’ Preparatory - 10.00 AM
🆚 Thurstan College - 11.00 AM
🆚 Science College - 12.40 PM
📅 12 September 2026
📍 S. Thomas’ College Grounds, Mt. Lavinia
⏰ 9.00 AM onwards
Come support the Green Machine!
22/08/2026
The Green Machine gave it everything on the field, but Trinity College edged ahead 19–17 in the U14 Elite Rugby Tournament Cup Final.
22/08/2026
FULL TIME | U14 Elite Rugby
The Green Machine advances to the CUP FINAL with a strong 24–05 victory over St. Peter’s!
One more to go. The Cup is within reach.
22/08/2026
CUP FINAL | U14 Elite Rugby
The Green Machine is ready for the final battle!
Isipathana vs Trinity
🕓 4:45 PM
📍 Trinity College Rugby Stadium
22/08/2026
CUP SEMI-FINALS | U14 Elite Rugby
Up next, the U14s face St. Peter’s in the Cup Semi-Finals.
⏰ 2:50 PM
📍 Trinity College Rugby Stadium
22/08/2026
FULL TIME | U14 Elite Rugby
A solid 26–00 victory over S. Thomas’ sees the Green Machine move forward from the Cup/Plate Quarter Finals.
On to the next one.
22/08/2026
CUP/PLATE QUARTER FINALS | U14 Elite Rugby
Up next, the U14s take on S. Thomas’ in the Cup/Plate Quarter Finals.
⏰ 11:50 AM
📍 Trinity College Rugby Stadium
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