Saturday Apr 04, 2026
Saturday Apr 04, 2026
Saturday, 28 March 2026 00:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
From left: Tournament Committee Chairman Rohan Abeykoon, New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka David Pine, Sri Lanka Rugby President Pavithra Fernando and SL-NZ Tour Founder Member Inthi Marikar – Pic by Upul Abayasekara
Sri Lanka’s rugby calendar of the XV-a-side game is set for an exciting international chapter as the New Zealand Under-85 kg Rugby Tour 2026 kicks off in late April.
The tour itinerary begins with the first match scheduled for 25 April under lights in Colombo at the Racecourse International Stadium. A series of engagement activities will follow, including a community session on 27 April at CR and FC ground, along with a special fireside session featuring former All Blacks Test player Kieren Reid at Cinnamon Life, adding further value to the tour.
The teams will then travel to the hill capital for another community engagement on 1 May at Trinity College Rugby Stadium in Pallekele, strengthening grassroots connections. The NZ Under-85 kg outfit will play the Sri Lankan national team in their second Test match on 3 May at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium in the city of rugby-crazy Kandy, bringing an end to what promises to be a landmark rugby series in Sri Lanka. Gates will be free for the Kandy encounter, while for the Colombo match, other than the Upper Grand Stand, the rest of the tickets will be free of charge.
Maliban Biscuits comes on board as the Title Sponsor for the second year in a row. Commercial Bank of Ceylon will be the Gold Sponsor, aligning with one of the most anticipated rugby events in the country. Further enhancing the tour’s corporate backing is Access Group, stepping in as the Silver Sponsor, reflecting the growing commercial appeal of rugby in Sri Lanka. The Bronze Sponsor category features strong support from Hayleys Mobility, SLT Mobitel / PEO TV, and Kottu Mee, all playing key roles in ensuring the smooth execution of the tour.
(SJ)
