Isipathana College Rugby

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 rug

by 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!

23/05/2026

RESTOCKED. LIMITED. AND ALMOST GONE.

The Green Machine Platinum Club Merchandise Package is back - but only 10 packages are available this time.

Secure yours before match day and rep the Green Machine in style.

📞 Kanishka: 077 711 5119
📞 Sajjaad: 077 633 0006

23/05/2026

TICKET PRICES | 41st Isipathana–Trinity Rugby Encounter

🎫 LKR 700 / 1500
📍 Available at the Havelock Grounds Main Gate
📆 Sunday, 24th May
⏰ 4:15 PM

Bring the crew. Wear your green. Let’s pack Havelock!

Photos by: ThePapare

23/05/2026

Wear green and turn Havelock green tomorrow.

41st Isipathana–Trinity Rugby Encounter

See you at the grounds 💚

Photos by: ThePapare

22/05/2026

Former Isipathana Unbeaten Double Championship-winning captain (2016) Kushan Indunil invites all Pathanians and rugby lovers to be there in numbers for this Sunday’s 41st Isipathana-Trinity Rugby Encounter.

Wear your green, bring the energy, and let’s make Havelock louder for the Green Machine.

📆 Sunday, 24th May
⏰ 4:15 PM
📍 Havelock Grounds

22/05/2026

💚

06-time triple champions. A legacy no other school has touched. Isipathana College , the only school in Sri Lanka’s school rugby history to become triple champions and the Kings of Rugby have done it six times.

This Sunday, the 41st encounter with Trinity College Kandy erupts at Havelock Grounds , where pride is not spoken, where brotherhood is tested under pressure and where legends are forged in green.

Let’s paint Havelock green and roar for the Green Machine.

22/05/2026

02 days until Havelock turns green.

This Sunday, the Green Machine takes on Trinity College Kandy in the 41st Rugby Encounter.

See you at Havelock Grounds!

Photos by: ThePapare

21/05/2026

Let’s turn Havelock green this Sunday 💚

20/05/2026

41 years. Countless memories. One more chapter this Sunday.

The numbers tell the story, but the atmosphere at Havelock will say the rest.

41st Rugby Encounter
Isipathana vs Trinity

📆 Sunday, 24th May
⏰ 4:15 PM
📍 Havelock Grounds

Photos by: ThePapare

20/05/2026

“Playing against Trinity has always been one of the most memorable matches in school rugby.”

A special message from 2024 Vice-Captain Shahid Zumri ahead of the 41st Rugby Encounter.

Be there at Havelock and witness the passion, pride, and intensity of school rugby at its best.

📆 Sunday, 24th May
⏰ 4:15 PM
📍 Havelock Grounds

19/05/2026

41st Isipathana–Trinity Rugby Encounter

This Sunday belongs to rugby as two unbeaten teams meet at Havelock Grounds.

Wear your green. Bring your voice.
Let’s fill Havelock this Sunday. 💚

📆 Sunday, 24th May
⏰ 4:15 PM
📍 Havelock Grounds

Photos by: ThePapare

18/05/2026

Lock your Sunday plans! 🔥

Photo by: ThePapare

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Telephone

+94777791442

Website

http://Isipathanarugby.lk/

Address

Park Lane
Colombo
00500

Isipathana College Rugby

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