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Wayne Rooney said it best.

Greatness isn’t just measured by goals or trophies. it’s about changing the game every time you step on the pitch. Lionel Messi has done exactly that.

Do you agree with Rooney?

L. E. BLAZE TROPHY – SINCE 1986

WESLEY COLLEGE

ORA ET LABORA

KINGSWOOD COLLEGE

FIDE ET VIRTUTE

HONOUR • RESPECT • BROTHERHOOD

The L. E. Blaze Trophy, contested annually between Wesley College and Kingswood College, is more than just a rugby fixture. Since its inception in 1986, it has celebrated tradition, rivalry, respect, and the enduring spirit of school rugby. Beyond the tackles, tries, and triumphs lies another remarkable story—one of family, legacy, and brotherhood.

Very few families have had the rare honour of seeing three brothers wear the Wesley jersey in this prestigious encounter. Their names are etched into the history of the L. E. Blaze Trophy, representing not only individual talent but also generations of commitment to Wesley rugby.

⸻

THE RUPESINGHE BROTHERS

(1988, 1989, 1990)
Shalan • Hirosh • Ruwan

The Rupesinghe brothers became one of the first families to establish this unique legacy. Each brother proudly represented Wesley in consecutive years, exemplifying commitment, courage, and the values of the game.

⸻

THE JALDIN BROTHERS

(1988, 1990, 1991)
Shiraz • Jehan • Rezzano

Sharing the same era, the Jaldin brothers also created history by each earning the privilege of representing Wesley in the L. E. Blaze Trophy. Their contribution further strengthened the culture of excellence that defined Wesley rugby during that period.

⸻

THE MUSAFER BROTHERS

(1993, 1995, 2000)
Kishan • Roshan • Shihan

Across three different generations of Wesley rugby, the Musafer brothers continued the proud tradition. Their appearances over seven years reflected consistency, perseverance, and an unwavering family connection to the college and the sport.

⸻

THE BUCKMAN BROTHERS

(1991, 1998, 2003)
Sherwan • Sajehan • Saliman

Spanning more than a decade, the Buckman brothers proudly carried the Wesley colours in one of the school’s most treasured rugby fixtures. Each brother earned his place through dedication and determination, ensuring that the family’s contribution to Wesley rugby would be remembered with pride.

⸻

A LEGACY BEYOND THE SCOREBOARD

Representing Wesley College in the L. E. Blaze Trophy is a privilege earned through sacrifice, discipline, and commitment. For three brothers from the same family to achieve that distinction is exceptionally rare. It is a testament to the values instilled at home, the traditions of Wesley rugby, and the unbreakable bond between brothers.

These families remind us that while victories are celebrated and records may eventually be surpassed, legacies built on loyalty, service, and brotherhood endure for generations.

As another chapter of the L. E. Blaze Trophy is written, we honour these families whose names have become part of Wesley rugby folklore. They inspire today’s players to uphold the jersey with pride and remind us that some traditions are measured not only by trophies won, but by the generations who continue to wear the blue and gold with distinction.

⸻

SINCE 1986, ONE MESSAGE HAS REMAINED CONSTANT:

“THE BROTHERHOOD PREVAILS.”

England vs Argentina – FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final
Match Analysis & Prediction

A classic international rivalry is renewed as England and Argentina meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi final, with a place in the final on the line. Both nations have overcome difficult knockout paths and arrive in outstanding form.

England have shown resilience throughout the tournament. They defeated DR Congo 2-1 in the Round of 32 before edging Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling Round of 16 encounter. In the quarter finals, they overcame Norway 2-1 with another composed performance. England have combined attacking quality with defensive discipline, while their depth has allowed them to find solutions in tight matches.

Argentina have once again demonstrated the mentality of champions. They survived entertaining contests against Cape Verde (3-2) and Egypt (3-2) before producing one of their most complete performances in a 3-1 victory over Switzerland. Their attacking creativity, composure under pressure, and wealth of experience in knockout football make them one of the favourites to win the tournament.

The key battle will be England’s organised defensive structure against Argentina’s fluid attack. England will look to control the midfield, press aggressively, and exploit transitions, while Argentina will aim to dominate possession and create chances through their technical quality and movement in the final third.

This promises to be a tactical, high-intensity contest with very little separating the two sides. England have the quality to trouble Argentina, but Argentina’s experience in decisive World Cup matches and ability to produce moments of brilliance could make the difference.

Prediction: Argentina 2-1
England
Argentina to advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final.

France vs Spain – FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final
Match Analysis & Prediction

A blockbuster semi final awaits as two of the tournament’s most complete teams battle for a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. France and Spain have both combined quality with consistency, making this one of the most anticipated matches of the competition.

France have looked composed throughout the knockout stage. After a convincing 3-0 victory over Sweden, they edged past Paraguay 1-0 before defeating Morocco 2-0 in the quarter finals. Their blend of defensive solidity, explosive pace in attack, and experience in high-pressure matches has made them one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

Spain have taken a different route, relying on control, discipline, and technical excellence. They comfortably beat Austria 3-0 before grinding out narrow victories over Portugal and Belgium, both by 1-0 and 2-1 scorelines respectively. Their ability to dominate possession, dictate the tempo, and remain patient under pressure has been one of the defining features of their campaign.

The key battle will be Spain’s midfield control against France’s pace and direct attacking transitions. Spain will aim to keep the ball and stretch France’s defence, while France will look to exploit spaces with quick counter-attacks and clinical finishing.

With both teams in excellent form, this could be a match decided by a single moment of brilliance. Spain may enjoy more possession, but France’s efficiency in both boxes and proven ability to perform in knockout football could prove decisive.

Prediction: France 2-1 Spain
France to advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final.

Every tradition has a beginning. This is ours.

Welcome to Season 01 of the Dugout Corporate Football 7s. The first chapter of what is set to become an annual fixture on Sri Lanka’s corporate calendar.

This isn’t just another tournament. It’s where rivalries are born, friendships are strengthened, companies unite beyond the workplace, and stories are written that will be remembered for years to come.

Will your team be the first ever champions?
Your name won’t just be on a the winners list, it will become part of the history that future seasons will look back on.

• 26th September 2026
• Race Course, Colombo
• Only 16 Corporate Teams
• Prize Pool: Rs. 360,000
• LIVE Streamed on Social Media

Team registrations are NOW OPEN! Secure your place in history before all 16 spots are filled.

📞 Register now: +94 70 33 555 99

Season 01 begins here. The story continues every year. Will your company be remembered as one of the pioneers?

FULL-TIME | BRADBY SHIELD 2026 – 1ST LEG

A commanding performance sees Trinity College claim the First Leg of the 80th Bradby Shield, defeating Royal College 33–10 at the Royal Sports Complex, Colombo.

The visitors produced a clinical display to take a valuable advantage into the second leg, with the historic Bradby Shield still on the line.

Can Royal respond in the return fixture, or will Trinity complete the job?

FT: Royal College 10–33 Trinity College

Football is, above all else, a team sport. That is why I don’t believe a player’s legacy should be defined by whether they have won a single trophy, even one as prestigious as the FIFA World Cup.

A player’s greatness should be measured by the level of football they consistently produce throughout their career. Their performances, goals, assists, influence on matches, longevity, ability to adapt to different leagues, and consistency at the highest level are far better indicators of individual quality than a trophy that depends on the collective strength of an entire team.

Using Cristiano Ronaldo as an example, the fact that he has never won a World Cup does not make him a lesser player than someone who has. This isn’t about comparing him to Messi or deciding who the greatest player of all time is. It is simply about recognizing the nature of football. No player, no matter how gifted, can win the World Cup on their own.

A striker can only finish the chances that are created for him. If the midfield cannot supply quality passes or create opportunities, how can the striker be expected to score? If the defence repeatedly concedes goals, how can the responsibility for defeat rest on one player? Football has always been a game where every position contributes to success or failure.

Some players are fortunate enough to be surrounded by world-class teammates who create chances, control games, and provide the platform needed to succeed. Others may perform at an extraordinary individual level while carrying greater responsibility in teams that are simply not as complete. Those differences matter, yet they are often overlooked when judging careers.

That is why I believe team trophies should complement a player’s legacy, not define it. Winning the World Cup is one of the greatest achievements in football, but failing to win it should never diminish a player’s individual greatness. A career should ultimately be remembered for the quality of the football a player produced, the consistency with which they performed, and the impact they had on every team they represented. Those are the qualities that truly define a football legend.

Shazan Makeen
Editor- Dugout Media

My 2026 Schools Rugby Team of the Year

This team is not selected on talent alone.

My selections are based on a combination of:

* Individual performance
* Consistency throughout the season
* Team-first mentality
* Leadership and attitude
* Work rate on and off the ball
* Rugby IQ and decision-making
* Discipline and commitment
* Ability to perform in big matches
* Overall impact on the team's success

Now it's your turn!

Who makes your 2026 Best XV? Which players would you keep, and who would you change?

Let's have a healthy rugby discussion. Respect different opinions. every selector values different qualities, and that's what makes these debates enjoyable.

Looking forward to seeing your Team of the Year!

Zulfikar Haleemdeen
Dugout Sports Analyst

Wesley rise to the occasion!

A commanding performance from the Double Blues as Wesley College defeat St. Thomas’ College 41–24 to claim victory in the battle for the Sir Oliver Goonetilleke Shield.

Passion. Pride. Tradition.
Every game has a story.

A Rivalry Beyond Rugby – The 80th Bradby Shield Encounter

There are rugby matches, and then there is the Bradby.

When Royal College and Trinity College walk onto the field, it is not just fifteen players against fifteen. It is generations of history, pride, brotherhood and tradition coming together in one of Sri Lanka’s greatest sporting spectacles.

The Bradby Shield, first played in 1945, was introduced by Royal College Principal E. L. Bradby as a symbol of friendship and sporting excellence between two great institutions. Eight decades later, that vision continues to live on, making this encounter the most celebrated rivalry in Sri Lankan schools rugby.

For the boys from Reid Avenue, wearing the famous Blue and Gold jersey is about carrying the dreams of every Royalist who stood before them. Every tackle, every try and every moment of courage represents a legacy built over generations.

For the Lions from the hills of Kandy, the Red, Gold and Blue jersey carries the spirit of Trinity rugby — a proud tradition that shaped the early foundations of the sport in Sri Lanka. From the roar at Pallekele to the memories created over decades, Trinity’s passion for the Bradby remains unmatched.

What makes the Bradby special is not only the battle on the scoreboard. It is the friendships after the final whistle, the respect between rivals, the old boys travelling from around the world and the families who pass this tradition from one generation to the next.

The 80th Bradby Shield Encounter is more than another chapter. It is a celebration of two schools that have given Sri Lankan rugby some of its greatest players, unforgettable moments and lifelong memories.

When Royal and Trinity meet once again, history will not just be remembered — it will be written.

Two colleges. One shield. Eighty encounters. A legacy forever.