Remembering M.T. Thambapillai – A pillar of Royal rugby
As Royal College and S. Thomas’ College met once again yesterday to contest the Michael Gunaratne Trophy, the spotlight also shines on the next generation as the Under-16 teams (earlier 2nd XV, then Under 18) compete for the M.T. Thambapillai Trophy.
This would be an ideal moment to remember and honour the legacy of the late M.T. Thambapillai, a name deeply etched in the history of Royal College rugby. Although not a rugby player or a coach in the conventional sense, Thambapillai played a foundational role in shaping Royal’s rugby journey. Generations of Royalists who played between 1947 and 1970 fondly recall his influence—with immense respect, admiration, and gratitude.
Born in Jaffna, he faced adversity early in life after losing his father at the age of five years. His maternal uncle, Dr. Vairakiam, who was then the leading surgeon at Colombo General Hospital and living on Flower Road, brought him to Colombo to live under his care. He entered Royal Primary and studied there for five years. Having passed the entrance examination, he was all set to begin his journey at Royal when tragedy struck again—his uncle passed away quite suddenly.
Following this, he moved to Kandy to live with his maternal aunt, Mrs. Joseph, and entered Trinity College. It was here that he learnt his rugby, though he didn’t receive his colours. He was a scholar too. At 16, he passed the London Matriculation Examination with First Class Honours and was awarded the Ratwatte Memorial Prize. His name remains displayed in the Trinity College Hall. Entering university at just 17, he had to give up school rugby, but continued to play at university level as an inside three-quarter.
Before joining Royal under Principal Mr. J.C.A. Corea, he taught at S. Thomas’ College under Warden Rev. Canon R.S. de Saram, where he was instrumental in introducing rugby in the early 1940s. When he requested one year of no-pay leave to pursue a Diploma in Education, the Warden, fearing the loss of such a capable teacher, denied the request. Thambapillai therefore resigned, completed his diploma, and joined Royal in 1946.
Through determination and discipline, he became a teacher of mathematics and physics at Royal. He served as the master-in-charge of rugby for an outstanding 23 years. When he took over, Royal’s rugby was not at its best. However, through his support and in collaboration with then Principal J.C.A. Corea, Royal began a powerful revival. In 1948, under his guidance, Royal defeated Trinity in the Bradby Shield encounter after a series of losses. That victory marked the beginning of a new era in Royal’s rugby history. Thambapillai was more than just a teacher; he was a mentor. Gentle, caring, and principled, he inspired players to persevere, to train with dedication, and to always uphold good character—both on and off the field. He taught rugby, but more importantly values, integrity, respect, and resilience.
Thambapillai was also a devoted father to four sons, all of whom studied at Royal. His eldest son, Bertram, is an accountant living in Toronto, Canada, his second son, Deutram, is a consultant audio-logical physician based in London and proudly earned his rugby colours in 1966 playing fullback. The third son, Elmo, is consultant pediatrician also residing in London, and the youngest, Nirmo, pursued a career in the hospitality sector. Behind the strength of this remarkable man stood his wife, the late Lollita Thambapillai (née Emerson), the quiet anchor of the family.
Thambapillai never sought accolades. He worked quietly, led by example, and made a lasting impact in the lives of hundreds of Royalists. His strength was in his humility, and his legacy is etched not just in Royal’s rugby records, but in its spirit. Many of the boys he mentored went on to represent Sri Lanka, while others rose to leadership in various fields. His legacy lives on through their achievements.