Upul Thalagoda is a fine rugby player who played for Dharmaraja College in its formative years. In 1971 they played five friendly matches under the captaincy of Rohan Ekanayake, in 1972 under Gamini Thomas and in 1973- Upali Mayadunne In 1974 they formed the official team and this team was captained by Upul Thalagoda and coached by Lanil Tennekoon,Since then they have been on a good footing in rugby.
Upul first played for the school 2nd XV side in 1971 as a prop forward under Ajith Kulathunga’s captaincy and the side was coached by Ananda Jayasundara. In 1972 played for the senior side under Gamini Thomas and the side was coached by Sarath Kulatillake,Then in 1973 played under Upali Mayadunne coached by Roy Balasuriya. In that year he was selected for the outstation school squad.
In 1975 too he played a few games under Prasanna Liyanage’s captaincy. In 1976 joined Kandy Sports Club and played under Sunil Munasinghe and in 1977 under Jadi Dissanayake and in 1978 under Irwin Howie at club level played as a prop and third row forward.
He was employed at the Ceylon Tobacco as a field trainer and played for the company in Mercantile Sevens and this side was placed number two in 1981 under his leadership. From 1982 to 1987 played for the Uva Gymkhana Club.
As a player he gave his best for the game, He was the president of the Old Rajans Rugby Association from 2008 to 2012 and gave a big hand for the school rugby team.
Even today he can be seen at matches where Kandy SC and his school Dharmaraja College are involved and gives a big hand for the game.
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