COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, June 18 (ePRESS) – Zahira College has strongly defended the integrity of its rugby programme, insisting that its impressive run in the ongoing Dialog Schools Under-19 League Rugby Tournament has been built on home-grown talent rather than player recruitment from rival schools.
The Maradana school, which has stunned traditional giants Royal College, St Peter’s College and Wesley College this season, said that 99 percent of its current First XV squad has emerged through its own junior rugby system, rejecting social media allegations that it recruits players from other top rugby-playing schools.
In a statement issued by Principal Trizviy Marikkar, Zahira described the claims as false and misleading and reaffirmed its commitment to ethical recruitment and sportsmanship.
“Zahira does not recruit or import players from other ‘A’ Division rugby schools,” the statement said.
The school stressed that its recent success is the result of years of hard work, careful planning and investment in youth development. According to the college, most members of the current First XV began their rugby journey within the Zahira system and progressed through the junior ranks before reaching the senior team.
Zahira has emerged as one of the biggest success stories of this year’s schools rugby season, turning heads with a series of memorable victories against some of the country’s strongest rugby powerhouses.
The college said its achievements are rooted in quality coaching, player commitment and a strong culture of loyalty, rather than short-term recruitment strategies.
The statement also highlighted Zahira’s respect for fellow ‘A’ Division schools, saying every leading rugby institution should be allowed to develop and retain its own talent without outside interference.
“The future of Sri Lankan schools rugby depends on stable and sustainable programmes across all top schools,” the statement noted.
Zahira further criticised the growing practice of relying heavily on recruited players to win matches, warning that such methods can undermine the true spirit of school sports.
The college clarified that scholarship opportunities are generally offered only to talented youngsters from remote areas or lower-tier ‘C’ Division schools. It said these scholarships are aimed at providing quality education and structured sporting opportunities while helping students build better futures.
According to the statement, all scholarship programmes are conducted transparently and with the knowledge and approval of the relevant parties.
“We refuse to win matches at the expense of a student’s future. A trophy is temporary, but an education and disciplined character last a lifetime,” the statement said.
Zahira called on its old boys, supporters and the wider rugby community to ignore misinformation and continue supporting the school’s commitment to youth development, ethical recruitment and the highest standards of sportsmanship.
With the team enjoying one of its finest seasons in recent years, Zahira believes its winning formula lies not in imported talent but in nurturing its own players from the grassroots level and allowing them to grow into champions.
