For decades rugby has been the domain of the robust male, a game played with aggression and brute force. With the transformation of minds in our tradition based culture women are making steady advances 
in the field. One such girl is Thanuja Weerakkoddy, who initially came from Avissawella. I met with this unassuming girl at the SLRFU recently. Thanuja explains “I did athletics at my school, Seethawaka National College. I also played netball. One day I watched a rugger match, and was captivated by the game. So I decided to give up netball, and got permission to join the rugger team. In 1999 we formed a rugger team in our school and I was one of the first to join. As I excelled in the team I got an opening to join the Kelani Valley Club in 2001”.
Since then the rural lass has dominated the field with her determined attitude, giving a sterling performance in the 2003 All-Island tournament. At 16 years Thanuja was selected to the National rugby pool, a tremendous achievement which made her parents very happy. She played as a scrum-half and centre. In 2009 the robust sportswoman married and is now blessed with 2 children. Thanuja goes onto explain “I was happy to be selected as Captain of the national rugby team in 2012, and held this position till 2015. I was proud to represent my country. It was a great honour”. In 2003 the women’s team played for the Plate Championship (placed 5th in Asia) coached by the vibrant Chandrishan Perera, who excelled as a player in his days. Thanuja has also played for the Navy sports club since 2012.
Being a mother and a rugger star is quite a challenge. Thanuja adds” I practice with my team daily from 10 am to 11.30 am. After a rest we hit the gym at 1pm. Fitness and endurance is vital to play this demanding sport. I also have to balance my duty at home as a wife and mother, making time for my children and husband. The team has successfully toured Hongkong, Japan, India, China, Malaysia, New Zealand and Thailand. Playing rugby has enhanced my personality. We gel together as a team. It also makes you a person with patience and discipline”. Thanuja is of the view that one should not be restrained by gender but make use of every challenge and turn it into success. She has also broken the myth that it is students from Colombo based schools who are expected to excel in the sporting arena. Any young person with a genuine desire can excel in sports. Engaging in sports is the perfect platform to understand the dynamics of teamwork.