Sri Lanka to host New Zealand U85kg for second time

Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) announced the upcoming tour of the New Zealand Under-85kg rugby team, scheduled from April 20 to May 4. This landmark tour represents a major step forward for Sri Lankan rugby, bringing international competition, commercial engagement, and community development together in a single platform.

The New Zealand National U85kg team will arrive in Colombo on April 20, embarking on a comprehensive tour that blends elite-level rugby with grassroots development and fan engagement. The tour will feature two international fixtures on April 25 in Colombo and May 3 in Kandy, coaching clinics, community engagement sessions in Colombo on April 27 and in Kandy on May 1 and commercial and tourism engagement opportunities.

The special highlight of the two test series will be the presence of All Blacks former captain and two-time World Cup winner Kieran Reid as the guest of honour. Reid will engage in an exclusive ‘Fireside with Kieran Reid’ event on April 27 at the Lumina Ballroom of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams. The former All Blacks captain and 2 time World Cup winner Reid will headline the event, offering insights into leadership, high-performance sport, and his experiences at the highest level of international rugby.

Reid will also attend the community sessions on the April 27 at the CR&FC ground in Colombo and on May 1 at the Trinity College ground in Pallakele, Kandy. He is expected to attend as the guest of honour at the game in Kandy as Sri Lanka Rugby hopes to have a touch of All Blacks sparkle to the New Zealand U85kg tour to Sri Lanka.

Steve Lancaster, Interim Chief Executive of New Zealand Rugby, said that the 2025 tour had a lasting impact well beyond the field according to an official statement published in the nzrugby.com site.

“We’re genuinely stoked to be able to confirm this tour and give this team the opportunity to represent New Zealand overseas again. Sri Lanka are a proud rugby nation and last year’s tour drew passionate crowds and strong community engagement. We know the Sri Lankan team will offer another strong challenge on the field and that’s exactly what you expect when you pull on a black jersey.”

Ben Sinnamon, the Head Coach of the New Zealand U85kg team, said the confirmed tour presents a demanding rugby challenge for the group.

“From a rugby perspective, this is a fantastic opportunity for our players. The Sri Lanka Tuskers are a passionate rugby team, and we know the standard will be higher again in 2026. Playing in that environment, including the heat and conditions, places real demands on preparation, discipline and execution.”

“Touring and playing internationally asks more of you as a player, in how you prepare, how you compete and how you represent the jersey. This tour gives our players the chance to test themselves properly, grow as a team and experience what it means to represent New Zealand offshore,” he added.

The success of the New Zealand U85kg Tour is underpinned by a robust portfolio of corporate partnerships, reflecting the growing commercial appeal and strategic value of rugby in Sri Lanka. Maliban leads the partnership as the title sponsor, reinforcing its longstanding commitment to youth development and community engagement through sport. Commercial Bank joins in as gold sponsor, aligning its brand with one of the most prominent rugby events on the national calendar.

The commercial strength of the tour is further enhanced by Access Group as silver sponsor, while Hayleys Mobility, SLT Mobitel, Peo TV, and Kottu Mee have come on board as bronze sponsors, contributing to the successful execution of the event. In addition, a strong lineup of strategic partners ensures a world class experience across all aspects of the tour. ThePapare will serve as the broadcast partner, delivering extensive media coverage, while Aitken Spence takes on the role of transport partner, managing all inbound logistics. Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams joins as hospitality partner, providing premium accommodation, with SriLankan Airlines supporting the tour as the official airline partner. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau further strengthens the initiative as the destination partner, promoting Sri Lanka as a leading sports tourism destination.

Collectively, these partnerships underscore strong corporate confidence in the continued growth and potential of rugby in Sri Lanka, while elevating the tour to an international standard. The first game of the two tests will take place on April 25 at the Racecourse ground in Colombo with the kickoff set to take place at 6:30pm. On April 27 the community engagement session will take place at the CR&FC ground in Longdon Place followed by the ‘Fireside with Kiren Reid’ at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams later on the same day. The community engagement session in Kandy will take place on May 1 at the Trinity College ground in Pallekale, followed by the second test on May 3 at Nittawela with the kickoff set at 4:00pm. Only upper grand stand tickets for the Colombo will be on sale while entrance for both matches into the general areas will be free on both days.

The 2026 tour also recognises the role rugby can play in supporting Sri Lanka’s sporting landscape, with the 2025 series widely regarded as a catalyst for renewed interest, participation and pride in the local game. Ben Tinnelly, New Zealand Rugby Under 85kg Tour Campaign Manager, said the tour continues to strengthen connections between New Zealand and Sri Lanka through rugby. In the historic inaugural series between the two sides, played for the Sir Graham Henry Cup, New Zealand U85kgs swept both games comfortably by 50-10 at Nittawela followed by a 32-6 win at the Racecourse ground with a grand spectator participation at both games.

Source: https://www.sundaytimes.lk/