March 17, Colombo (LNW): He spent his childhood in Mauritius and South Africa. He then attended school in Sri Lanka at Trinity College, Kandy. He began his rugby career with the Up-Country Lions team, sponsored by the then Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage. He later played for CR & FC before joining the Kandy team.
Nigel Ratwatte rose to prominence after joining the Kandy team. He was also the Kandy captain for the 2021-2022 season. Nigel, who had been associated with Kandy as well as the national rugby team for over a decade, showed his mettle in this rugby season as well, playing a pivotal role in securing victory for Kandy, he bid farewell to the sport, marking the end of an illustrious rugby career.
In his farewell match, Kandy Sports Club secured a commanding 50-24 victory over Havelocks. Fittingly, the final try that pushed Kandy’s lead from 45 to 50 was scored by none other than Nigel Ratwatte, donning the iconic number 10 jersey. These photos capture the moment his preparation, the decisive run, and the try itself. Congratulations to Nigel on a remarkable farewell, sealing his team’s triumph with a final, unforgettable touch!
*Adapted from original article, “නයිජල් ගේ මතක සිටින සමුගැන්ම” by Nishman Ranasinghe published on 17/03/2025.
