Mahes Rodrigo - Double International played Cricket and Rugby

DEATH OF SPORTING LEGEND: Royal College, Colombo, paid homage to one of their great sporting legends Mahes Rodrigo, naming their rugby sporting rooms of the Sports Complex in memory of him at Stanley Wijesundera Mawatha, Colombo 7.

Mrs. Yoga Rodrigo (Wife), Tarini Rodrigo Vosper (Daughter), Kevin Vosper (Grandson) and sonin- law Mike Vosper and Upali Gunasekera Principal Royal College after unveiling the plaque at the Royal Sports Complex Rugby Sporting Room in memory of Late Mahes Rodrigo a distinguished old boy, who was a double International representing the country at rugger and cricket. Pic: niranjan Konthasinghe

The late Mahes Rodrigo was a double international, excelling in Rugby and Cricket and was known as 'master of both bat and boot' for his outstanding contributions to his Alma Mater and later to the country in both sports.

He had the distinction in leading the Royal rugby and cricket teams in the same year (1946) and played the pivotal roles as scrum half and wicketkeeper respectively.

A commemoration ceremony was held at the Royal College Sports Complex graced by Upali Gunasekera, the Royal College principal, members of the Royal College Rugby Advisory Committee and past and present rugby players.

The Royal College principal Upali Gunasekera after unveiling a plaque, said that "Mahes Rodrigo will be remembered as a sportsman par excellence who was a mastermind on the rugby field. He brought many glories to the school and also to the country." In his address, Royal's Lakshman Kaluaratchi spoke on behalf of many generations of Royal ruggerites who brought back fond memories of the sporting legend. The daughter of the late Mahes Rodrigo Ms Tarini Rodrigo Vosper thanked the principal and the Royalists past and present for the tribute shown to her late father.

He was a life member of two of Sri Lanka's most prestigious sporting institutions SSC and CR&FC. In 1948 he captained the Ceylon rugger team dominated by Europeans. In 1952, he captained the CR&FC and in 1949, representing Ceylon at cricket against the mighty West Indians, led by John Goddard which included the likes of Prior Jones, Everton Weekes, Clyde Walcott, Dennis Atkinson etc. he made a gritty unbeaten 135 while following on to make an embarrassing defeat look more respectable.

A testament to Mahes' rugby prowess is a quote found on a CR&FC commemorative souvenir "A brilliant scrum-half and a shrewd footballing brain of outstanding leadership qualities." (RA)