He broke into the Sri Lankan rugby scene as a schoolboy playing as a full back for his alma mater Isipathana College Colombo. After finishing school he went on to represent CR and FC and played for the Sri Lanka team.
This fabulous full back presently playing for Havelock Sports Club, has made vast strides on the rugby field having shocked many opponents with his dazzling fast open rugby to go along with his booming kicks. Today we go “off the field” with this sensational rugby star Rizah Mubarak.
Q: What made you to enter the world of sports?
My dad was a national football player and was always a huge fan of sports, so I guess I just grew up with it.
Q: Who has supported you most?
My Parents! Always. And my wife up until a few years ago. She has been bugging me to retire
Q: What made you to choose rugby?
It just happened. I initially started off as a football player but one day my friends just dragged me for rugby practices and that changed the whole course of my life. A few months later I started as the full-back for my college team
Q: What are your favorite leisure time activities?
I used to love watching the sunset, which my wife never understood, but now I spend all my free time with my favorite tiny human – my son, Noah.
Q: What are the top priorities in your life?
Family, always.
Q: Who is your favourite singer?
I have a favorite band -Cold-play!
Q : What is your favourite song?
Sky full of stars, it just takes me to another world
Q: What was your most unforgettable memory or incident?
Well there are many life-changing memorable moments. But in rugby, when I became the most valuable player at the Asian Five Nations. It was the highest I had achieved.
Q: What’s your favourite holiday destination?
Yet to find out. I’d love any beach with a good sunset
Q: If you had one day left to live, what would you do?
I’d spend the whole day in the mosque.
Q: Who do you sometimes compare yourself to?
My old self.
Q: What’s the best compliment you have received?
That I’m one of the most humble people they’ve met. Kindness is everything.
Q: Are you happy with all your achievements?
I’d say I’m content.
Q: Who is your favourite sportsmen?
Mohamed Ali, Christiano Ronaldo, Kumara Sangakkara and Usain Bolt
Q: What’s your favourite movie?
Almost all the Disney and Pixar movies
Q: Who’s your favourite actor?
SRK and Russel Crowe
Q: Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?
I have different answers for different aspects of my life.
Q: How would you describe yourself in two words?
Humble (I hope) and resilient
Q: What are your thoughts about Sri Lanka’s rugby future especially in the traditional 15-a-side game?
I’m really sad that Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) management is losing focus on the longer version of the game. I wish they have the same level of commitment for the 15s like they are presently doing for Sevens.