Shaakib Zumri
Fourth-year Coloursman and 2026 Isipathana College first XV rugby captain, Shaakib Zumri has been named skipper of the Colombo ACES for the inaugural Next XV Rugby Tournament, which gets underway on 19 September at the CR and FC Grounds, Longden Place.
The talented Number Eight has enjoyed an outstanding school rugby career and will lead one of the tournament’s strongest outfits. Zumri was a key member of Isipathana’s President’s Trophy knockout championship-winning teams in both 2024 and 2025 before taking over the captaincy this season.
Earlier this year, he inspired Isipathana to the Zahira Invitational Rugby Sevens title with a series of impressive performances. His powerful ball carrying, defensive work and leadership qualities have made him one of the leading schoolboy forwards in the country.
Zumri also represented Sri Lanka at the 2024 Asia Rugby Under-18 Sevens Championship in Malaysia. Following his school career, he is expected to join CR and FC for the 2026/27 club rugby season.
Zumri will have Chinchi (Zahira) and Nisith (Trinity) as his two deputy skippers for this tournament. (SJ)
