Alex Lazarus Rugby Director now

by Hafiz Marikar

Alex Lazarus, one of the top forwards to come out of Trinity College, has been appointed as the schools Rugby Director, with wealth of experience, he rightfully deserves the post, especially after his great contribution to Trinity rugger since his playing days.

He played for Trinity along with players like Agith Abeyarathne, Japana Jayawardene, Shafie Jainudeen, P. Sundaralingam, Gamini Udugama, Iswan Omarr and was a fine forward during his playing days. He played for the school in 1966 and '67 along with Glen Vanlangenberg, Ajith Abeyarthne, Shafie Jainudeen, Japana Jayawardene, P. Sundaralingam Iswan Omar, Gamini Udugama , R.S. Howie, M. Jiffery.

In his first year in 1966 he played under Glen Vanlangenberg in the first leg of the Bradby when Trinity lost to Royal 0-3, and in the second leg Trinity won 8-3. Then in 1967 Trinity under Ajith Abeyarthne won the first leg 17-3 and the second 16-3.

After leaving school he played for the CH & FC in 1968, but half way through had to come back to Kandy due to his father's death. After his return he played for Kandy Lake Club which later changed the name to Kandy RFC, when he played for the new club and had the privilege of leading both the teams. When Kandy RFC amalgamated with Kandy Sports Club in 1974, he crossed over to Kandy Sports Club.

It was being as a coach Alex gave his best and earned a name. He started as Trinity College's under 17 coach in the 1980's and produced some top players for the senior side and later took over the senior side, and did an excellent job by producing champion teams and also top players.

His best year at Trinity was in 1986 when Tyrell Rajapakse led the side. In the last couple of years he has been handling the beginners at Trinity. Most of its products played for top clubs and the country.

It was he who coached the Kandy sports Club team in 1992 to carry away the Clifford Cup for the first time in its history. Earlier he had a short stint with Dharmaraja College.

Alex coached the Sri Lanka Youth side in 1988 and 1989 and was also the curator of the Asgiriya International Stadium, and in charge for many tests and one-day games.