Thursday Nov 12, 2026
Thursday Nov 12, 2026
Saturday, 1 August 2026 03:33 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage (second from right) receiving the sponsorship cheque. Others (from left): Project Chairman Rohan Abeykoon, DASA Group UK CEO Nakeeb Atheek, Inthi Marikar, and Asia Pacific Lions Founder and Director Saabir Cader
By Shamseer Jaleel
The Asia Pacific Lions vs. Northampton Saints Tour of Sri Lanka 2026, a landmark initiative set to elevate Sri Lanka’s status on the international rugby stage, is backed by DASA Group UK as the Title Sponsor.
The highlight of the tour will be the historic clash between English Premiership champions Northampton Saints and the newly formed Asia Pacific Lions, an invitational team featuring leading players from Asia Rugby member unions and the Pacific Islands.
The match will kick off on 28 August at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo, promising Sri Lankan rugby fans a rare opportunity to witness some of the world’s top players in action.
Beyond the feature match, the tour will include rugby coaching clinics, youth development programs, community outreach, tourism promotions, corporate engagements, media activities, and a charity T20 cricket match involving rugby stars and Sri Lankan cricket legends.
Organisers believe these initiatives will create a lasting legacy by developing local rugby while promoting Sri Lanka as a premier destination for international sporting events.
The Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry, Sri Lanka Tourism, DASA Group UK, Pearl Isle Capital, City of Dreams Sri Lanka, Aitken Spence Travels, ThePapare, Asiri Health, and TRU will also support the tour.
