Ananda Rugby appoints Anuranga Walpola as head coach

Former Isipathana College, CR & FC, Kandy SC, and Sri Lanka National XV player Anuranga Walpola has been appointed Head Coach of Ananda College Rugby for the upcoming inter-schools season.

Walpola began his rugby journey at Isipathana College, captaining the Green Shirts in 2002, and went on to represent Sri Lanka in the Junior Rugby Asiad in Japan and the nation’s first Youth World Cup in Chile. At club level, he had a stellar career with CR & FC and Kandy SC, winning five league titles and regularly representing the national team.

Transitioning into coaching, Walpola has worked with schools such as D.S. Senanayake College, Isipathana College, St. Joseph’s College, Zahira College, and St. Thomas’ College, as well as clubs like Army SC, developing both forwards and backs and strengthening team performance.

Ananda College, recently promoted to the higher tier, will now benefit from his experience, leadership, and vision to build a strong team identity and compete at the top level. Under Walpola’s guidance, the Anandians aim to reclaim their former glory in school rugby.

Ananda College Rugby Coaching Staff

• Anuranga Walpola – Head Coach

• Prasath Hettiarachchi – Assistant Coach (Forwards)

• Dev Anand – Assistant Coach (Backs)

• Dinesh Kumara – Backs Coach & Strength and Conditioning