The Invincibles: S. Thomas’ College 1989 – A Season of Rugby Dominance
Colombo, Sri Lanka, 24 June 2025: In the storied history of Sri Lankan schoolboy rugby, few chapters shine as brightly as the 1989 season of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia. Led by the iconic Rizwi Suhayb, this extraordinary squad achieved the rarest of feats: an undefeated season, conquering both the fiercely competitive Schools League Championship and the prestigious President’s Trophy (Premadasa Trophy) knockout tournament. Their perfect record wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement of unwavering excellence that etched their names into sporting legend.
At the heart of this remarkable campaign was Rizwi Suhayb, a captain whose leadership and skill transcended his years. Already a prodigy, Suhayb held the unique distinction of being one of the youngest ever to represent the Thomian 1st XV, playing for five consecutive seasons from 1985 to 1989.
His talent was immense. Suhayb combined tactical intelligence, blistering pace, and bone-crunching defence. He wasn’t just the team’s star; he was its heartbeat and its brain, inspiring confidence and demanding excellence from every player around him. His leadership extended beyond the Thomian field, as he also captained the Sri Lanka Under-20 team on tour that same year.
The Unblemished Campaign: Sweeping All Before Them
The 1989 Thomians approached every match with a blend of fierce determination and strategic brilliance. While detailed match-by-match records are scarce decades later, the overarching narrative is crystal clear:
1. League Dominance: STC steamrolled through the league phase, facing down every challenger. Their style was potent: a powerful, disciplined forward pack laid the platform, while a dynamic and clinical backline, orchestrated by Suhayb, exploited every opportunity. Victories were secured through sheer physicality, tactical nous, and an unyielding team spirit.
2. Premadasa Trophy Glory: The knockout President’s Trophy (Premadasa Trophy) presented a different challenge – single elimination, high stakes, and no room for error. True to their season’s form, the Thomians rose to the occasion. They navigated the tournament bracket with composure, culminating in a decisive victory over their arch-rivals, Isipathana College, in the final. This victory wasn’t just another win; it was the exclamation point on their perfect season, proving their supremacy across both formats.
3. The Double: Winning both the league and the knockout trophy in the same season was a monumental achievement. Doing it while remaining undefeated was unprecedented for S. Thomas’ College and remains one of the most revered accomplishments in Sri Lankan schools and Thomian rugby history.
A Legacy Forged in Blue and Black
The impact of the 1989 team resonates far beyond that single, glorious season:
The Standard of Excellence: They set a benchmark for Thomian rugby – a standard of invincibility, tactical discipline, and unwavering commitment that future generations strive to emulate. The culture and ethos reborn in Rizwi’s 1989 team resulted in the teams of 1990 and 1991 also remaining unbeaten through the league and knockouts, establishing an as-yet-unparalleled record of winning 47 games on the trot. A legacy of the golden years of Thomian rugby.
Enduring Brotherhood: The bond forged on that field remains strong decades later. In a powerful tribute to their fallen leader following Rizwi Suhayb’s untimely passing, the surviving members of the ’89 team initiated the Rizwi Suhayb Trophy. This annual encounter, contested against their 1989 final rivals Isipathana College, ensures the spirit of that legendary team and its captain lives on, inspiring current players and uniting generations of Thomians.
National Impact: Suhayb’s brilliance continued beyond school, where he became a star for CR & FC and Kandy Sports Club, famously winning the Clifford Cup in 1992. His journey, ignited at STC in 1989, exemplified the talent nurtured within the college.
Echoes of Greatness: The S. Thomas’ College Rugby team of 1989 wasn’t just a group of talented players; they were The Invincibles. Under the peerless leadership of Rizwi Suhayb, they achieved sporting perfection – an undefeated season crowned with every major honour. Their story is woven into the very fabric of Thomian tradition, a constant reminder of what can be achieved through unity, skill, and indomitable spirit. As the Rizwi Suhayb Trophy is contested year after year, the legend of the 1989 team continues to inspire, proving that true greatness on the rugby field is timeless.
Image 01 Caption:
Captain Rizwi Suhayb with the Premadasa Trophy, Michael Gunaratne Trophy, Cannon R S de Saram Sheild, Archibald Perera trophy and Lady Jayathilake Shield
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