Like father like son. Royal College rugby currently enjoys the services of place kicker Arshad Jamaldeen who incidentally is the son of legendary place kicker Nizam Jamaldeen. Like his father, Arshad has begun hunting for records. Presently after eight matches Arshad has accumulated 105 points, and becomes the first schoolboy rugby player to reach this milestone during the season.

Arshad Jamaldeen in action (Pic by Sanka Vidanagama)

He has collected his points from 29 conversions, 13 penalties, a drop goal and a try.
"My initial goal before the commencement of the season was to reach the mark of 150 points during this season. I have already done 105 and there's 45 points remaining to reach in three games. I'm really satisfied with my achievement but I know I can do better," a courageous Arshad said.
Fly half Arshad (18) who has already played a season with the Royal first XV finds place kicking as his greatest passion. This is next to playing for his team.

His father Nizam, who played for Isipathana and then the strong Police Sports Club from the late 1980s to mid 1990s, was a key figure in the local and international rugby circuit. Nizam holds the record for the highest number of points collected during a season. He is a reliable place kicker and was an obvious choice for the Sri Lanka team. He was very pleased to see his son Arshad carry his talent into the second generation.

"I worked very hard to achieve what was practically impossible whilst at Isipathana, then Police SC and more importantly as a national player. But I have never forced or done anything to bring my son into rugby. My playing career evidently should be an inspiration for my son," said a proud Nizam.
Arshad speaking about his rugby said his father's success was not the only the reason to take up the game.

"I really don't know why I took up to rugby. Maybe it was in my blood. I was called in for practices and things just happened," said Arshad recalling his short yet successful stint as a place kicker.
When Arshad first held the oval ball as a ten-year-old he hardly knew what was happening. Anyway Arshad finds that everything in rugby is now taking place to his liking.

As if by habit Arshad picked up place kicking. That was when his father came to help him.
"My father is a great teacher. He gave me all the tips. He is a very good reader of the game as well. After a game we normally have a light discussion on what happened. He comes up with great feedbacks," the future national star went on to say.

Arshad finds doing things his own way comfortable to suit his style of play. He admires All Blacks fly half and place kicker Daniel Carter. Arshad prefers to chill out and have an early lunch on the day of a match.
"I usually pray and before a game I drink lot of water. I like to plan out the way things should happen. A major part of planning takes place the way I want it."

Whilst kicking Arshad said he makes a quick look at the goalpost until the ball is over it. "I focus on the ball and the goalpost before a conversion. A drop goal comes as a last resort," he added.
With a season to complete his school career young Arshad hopes to do better to accumulate more points on his venture to reach more than 150 points during a league season.

"My father has challenged me to better his 248 points during a single season. I am aiming for that and this is the start".