Rugby Shines as ‘Bradby’ Nears

A Historic Rivalry: The Bradby Shield in Sri Lanka

Rugby has a rich and storied history in Sri Lanka, with its origins tracing back to the late 1800s. Today, the sport enjoys a large following among players and fans alike, with the Bradby Shield standing out as one of the most anticipated events in the country’s rugby calendar.

Known simply as “The Bradby,” this annual competition is a highlight for students and alumni of two of Sri Lanka’s most prestigious schools: Trinity College and Royal College. The rivalry between these institutions has grown over the years, becoming a symbol of tradition, pride, and fierce competition.

Structure of the Bradby Shield

The Bradby Shield is unique in that it consists of two matches played at different venues—Kandy and Colombo. The outcome is determined by the aggregate score from both legs, which are usually held a few weeks apart. This format adds an extra layer of excitement, as teams must perform consistently across both games.

The event typically takes place in late July or early August, making it the most-watched rugby match in the country. Its popularity often surpasses that of inter-club or even international fixtures, drawing massive crowds and generating significant media attention.

Origins and Evolution of the Competition

The first recorded Bradby Shield match was played on July 31, 1920. However, it wasn’t until 1945 that the competition took its current form. At that time, E.L. Bradby, the principal of Royal College and a passionate rugby advocate, proposed the idea of an annual two-match series. His counterpart at Trinity College, C.E. Simithraarachy, readily accepted the proposal. To ensure the success of the initiative, Bradby donated a shield that would be awarded to the winner of the series for a year.

Before 1945, there were several notable milestones in the rivalry. In 1941, Royal College secured its first-ever victory over Trinity College. Then, in 1943, they won the first two-match series, with their second match marking their first win in Kandy—a significant moment in the history of the competition.

Historical Teams and Early Matches

The first-ever Bradby Shield teams included some of the most prominent names in Sri Lankan rugby. On the Trinity College side, players like A. Ratwatte, S. Mediwake, and R.G. Sourja (captain) represented the school, while Royal College fielded stars such as M. Kassipillai, D.R. Amerasinghe, and C.D.L. Fernando (captain). The first leg, played in Colombo, ended with a 3-0 victory for Royal College, with referee Sydney G. de Zoysa overseeing the game.

The 79th Edition and Recent Results

This year marks the 79th edition of the Bradby Shield, with the first leg scheduled to take place on August 23 at Trinity College grounds in Pallkelle. The second leg will be held on September 6 at the Royal College Sports Complex.

In the 78th edition, Trinity College emerged victorious, defeating Royal College with an aggregate score of 42-39. This win ended a ten-year drought for Trinity College, who had not claimed the shield since 2013. The first leg, played in Colombo, saw Trinity narrowly win 17-16, while the second leg in Kandy was decided by a last-minute penalty from Shaan Althaf, giving Trinity a 25-22 victory.

A Legacy of Excellence

The Bradby Shield continues to be more than just a sporting event—it is a celebration of tradition, skill, and school spirit. As the competition evolves, it remains a cherished part of Sri Lankan rugby culture, drawing fans from all walks of life to witness the intense rivalry between two of the nation’s most iconic institutions.