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5-year plan to boost Isipatana rugby
By Bernie Wijesekera
“In 2004, Isipathana rugby hit a new low. They lost all tournament matches and was relegated to the ‘B’ Division”, said Cdr. S.K. Sisira chairman of Isipathana rugby committee. Sisira, one of the best products of Patana played for the country and for the Navy. He has braved the rough seas and never wilted under pressure. Since he hung up his boots, he has served the game well. Isipathana has mapped out a five year development programme with an Academy to catch’em young.

Besides Sisira, the committee includes Sriyantha Rajakaruna, Shehan Siddiq, Jaliya Perera, Pradeepan Ramanathan and rugby co-ordinator Ivor Keerthipala .
The year 2005 team had 13 freshers and only 18 in the squad. The Patana rugby committee had a vision for the future not only for the school but for the future betterment of the game at national level.

Despite playing in the ‘B’ division with a set of green horns they won the games to head the table. They won both the traditional “friendlies” against Royal and Trinity. Blunted Trinity’s run of success. Won the Premier knock out tournament. Lost to St. Anthony’s and Thurstan. Former ‘Patana’ and Sri Lanka International class forward Hisham Abdeen is the head coach.

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