By Roy Denish
Rugby Player poaching allegations emerge after Science College Support groups accuses Royal College of poaching and approaching a young star named Pahan Nehandu.
COLOMBO — Tensions have flared in school rugby circles following a formal letter of protest sent by the Science College Rugby Support Group (SCRSG) and the Old Boys’ Association (OBA) of Science College, Mount Lavinia, to the Principal of Royal College.
Dated October 27, 2026, the letter accuses Royal College coaches and members of its Rugby Committee of attempting to poach promising First XV and Under-16 rugby player Pahan Nesandu.
According to the letter, representatives allegedly approached the player and his guardians with offers of financial incentives and sports scholarships to persuade him to leave Science College.
Science College, which has a proud rugby heritage and has produced several national captains and players, including recent national team captain Lasindu Karunathilake, criticised the practice of talent poaching by wealthier schools.
The letter argues that such practices are motivated primarily by a desire to win matches rather than a genuine interest in player development. It further warns that the continued recruitment of talented players by better-resourced institutions could push smaller schools into what it describes as “sports bankruptcy”.
The SCRSG and OBA have urged the Royal College administration, coaching staff and Rugby Committee to refrain from engaging in the alleged unethical practices.
Copies of the strongly worded protest letter have also been forwarded to several key regulatory bodies, including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Sports, Sri Lanka Rugby, National Sports Council and Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA), seeking their attention and intervention.
