COLOMBO, Feb 5 (ePRESS) – Shaakib Zumri has been appointed captain of the Isipathana College Rugby Team for the 2026 season, the school announced.
A fourth-year coloursman, Shaakib began his rugby journey at Under-10 level and rose steadily through the ranks. He captained the Under-18 team last year and now takes charge of the senior side.
Shaakib also represented Sri Lanka at the Under-18 Sevens level at the Asia Emirates Championship held in Malaysia in 2024. A versatile third-row forward, he delivered consistent performances last season and was adjudged Man of the Match in four games.
He comes from a strong rugby family. Shaakib is the younger brother of former Isipathana vice-captain Shaahid Zumri, who currently represents Kandy Sports Club, the national team and captains the Sri Lanka Junior National side.
Nimantha Sandeepa and Abdul Azeez have been named co vice-captains. Nimantha Sandeepa also represented the Sri Lanka Under-18 team in 2024 and is expected to marshal the last line of the Isipathana back division this season. Abdul Azeez, a speedy winger, returns after missing most of last year due to injury.
The Isipathana coaching and support staff for the season include Head Coach Sanath Martis, Backs Coach Chanaka Chandimal, Trainer Vageesha Weerasinghe, Physios Shafin Majid and Udaraka Vishwajith, Team Doctor Asanka, Masseur Supun Chandana, Managers Rehan Mussadique and Sethum Rajapaksha, and Rugby Chairman Kelum Rodrigo.
With a balanced leadership group and an experienced backroom team, Isipathana will look to mount a strong challenge in the 2026 schools rugby season under Shaakib Zumri’s captaincy.
