Traditional Rugby Fest in Colombo: St. Peter's and D.S. Senanayake Compete for the 5th R.I.T. Alles Cup

## Saturday Excitement in Sri Lanka: Tradition, Rivalry, and Honor Meet in a Single Match Think about the passion and social excitement created by football derbies in Turkey. Now channel that energy into rugby, a sport where gentlemanliness and strength combine, and a competition between high school teams. This is precisely what school rugby means in Sri Lanka: more than just a sport; it's a passion, a tradition, and a social event that brings generations together. This weekend, one of the moments where this passion reaches its peak will be witnessed. Two established educational institutions in Colombo, Royal College and St. Peter's College, will take the field for the prestigious 5th R.I.T. Alles Cup. This grand clash, taking place at the Royal College Sports Complex on Saturday, June 29, is not just a cup competition but also a turning point that will determine the fate of two undefeated teams in the Dialog Schools Rugby League. ## Rugby: A Way of Life in Sri Lanka Rugby, popular in Europe and Oceania, has acquired a unique identity in Sri Lanka, the jewel of South Asia. Especially the inter-school league is one of the most followed sports organizations in the country. On match days, stadiums are filled with tens of thousands of students, parents, and alumni. The enthusiastic anthems of school bands, the colorful banners of fans filling the stands, and the endless cheers turn these matches into a carnival atmosphere. The rivalry of schools with a history of over 100 years, like Royal College and St. Peter’s College, forms the cornerstone of this culture. This is not just a struggle of young athletes but also a reflection of the honor, history, and pride of alumni of the schools. This is why the R.I.T. Alles Cup is considered one of the most important events on the Sri Lankan sports calendar. ## The Cup Named After an Educational Legend: R.I.T. Alles One of the elements that make this cup so special is the person whose name it bears. R.I.T. Alles is an icon, a legend in Sri Lanka’s modern education history. A name dedicated to education throughout his life, Alles has not only taught and served as deputy headmaster at Royal College but also raised two sons who studied at St. Peter’s College. However, his legacy does not end there; he is also the founding headmaster of D. S. Senanayake College, one of the country's leading educational institutions. Therefore, this cup symbolizes not only the rivalry between two schools but also unites them in a common respect for an educational doyenne. Looking at the past of the cup, Royal College’s superiority stands out. Taking the cup to their museum in 2018, 2019, and 2022, Royal leads the rivalry 3-1. St. Peter's College, however, holds the title of the last holder of the cup; having won the battle in 2023, it had sent a warning to its eternal rival. This significant encounter, which could not be played in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, holds much greater importance this year than ever. ## Clash of the Titans: A Closer Look at the Teams This year's battle promises to be a classic "war of styles." Both teams have stormed into the league and have yet to face defeat. This situation exponentially increases the tension and importance of the match. **Royal College:* * Led by their captain and strong forward Thivain Perera, who plays in the number 8 position, Royal traditionally employs a game plan based on physical strength and overwhelming dominance of the forward line. They usually prefer to tire their opponents in collective attack (maul) and ruck games, progressing step by step towards scoring. Their undefeated streak this season is proof of how effective this tactic is. Their forwards, who crush their rivals like a pressing machine, could be the key point of the match. **St. Peter's College:* * On the other side is St. Peter’s College, carrying the title of last year’s champion. Their greatest weapon is speed and skill. The team, led by their captain and playmaker (scrum-half) Dulaj Nawodya, relies on agile and finish-capable "three-quarter line" players who can quickly move the ball to the wings. In response to Royal’s physical power, they will try to counter with a fluid and fast game plan that uses every inch of the field. Balls thrown behind the defense and the individual skills of fast wing players will be the key to victory for them. The clash of these two different game philosophies promises a tactical feast for rugby enthusiasts. ## The Turning Point of the Season and Expectations The match will start at 16:15 local time and will also be broadcast live. However, the real spirit of this battle is hidden in the atmosphere that will be created by the thousands of passionate fans filling the Royal College Sports Complex. The alumni associations of the two schools, known as "Old Boys," have been preparing for this match for weeks. The cheers war in the stands will be as fierce as the fight on the field. The guest of honor for the match will be Dr. Harsha Alles, son of the late R.I.T. Alles, after whom the cup is named, and Chairman of the Gateway Group. This adds a special significance and emotional touch to the event. In conclusion, the 5th R.I.T. Alles Cup match to be played in Colombo on Saturday, June 29, means much more than a high school sports event. It’s the most critical corner of two undefeated giants on their way to the league championship; it’s the honor struggle of two established institutions; it is the most beautiful display of respect for an educational legend. The winner will not only retain the cup and their undefeated title but also gain an enormous psychological advantage for the rest of the season. On this most special day of Sri Lankan rugby, will power or speed triumph? We will see the answer together.