SLR names 45-member National XV for NZ under 85kg and ARC Top 4

Lasindu Karunathilake tipped to leadthe outfit 

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka Rugby has named a 45-member National XVs squad for the upcoming New Zealand Under-85kg tour, marking a key step in the country’s long-term preparation for international rugby. 

The selection reflects a well-balanced mix of youth, experience, and physicality, aimed at competing against structured and fast-paced opposition.

The tour will see Sri Lanka play two test matches, with the first scheduled for 25 April at the Race Course Stadium in Colombo, followed by the second encounter on 3 May at Nittawela Rugby Stadium in Kandy. These matches are expected to provide valuable exposure against a disciplined New Zealand outfit.

This assignment holds added importance as Sri Lanka builds towards the Asia Rugby Top 4 competition, where they will face regional heavyweights Hong Kong, the UAE, and South Korea. The Hong Kong fixture will be played in Colombo, while the other two matches will be away, presenting a stern challenge for the national side.

The XV-a-side format remains the primary pathway for Rugby World Cup qualification, making these fixtures vital in Sri Lanka’s long-term ambitions. Hong Kong’s recent qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia serves as a clear benchmark and motivation for Sri Lanka to elevate its standards.

In addition to the New Zealand Tests, Sri Lanka A and the President’s XV will engage in preparatory matches against the Junior Tigers of Malaysia on 12 April and 15 April, providing further opportunities to assess combinations and player readiness. Both these encounters will be worked off at the Navy grounds in Welisara.

Leadership will play a key role in this campaign, with experienced campaigners Lasindu Karunathilake and Tharindu Chathuranga emerging as frontrunners for the captaincy. Their experience at both club and national level will be crucial in guiding a relatively young squad.

The squad will be under the guidance of Head Coach Dushanth Lewke, whose focus will be on building cohesion, improving fitness standards, and implementing a structured game plan suited for international rugby.

Sri Lanka’s emphasis on expanding its player pool and investing in the XVs format highlights a renewed commitment to competing at the highest level in Asia. The upcoming fixtures are expected to test the team’s resilience, tactical awareness, and ability to perform under pressure.

With a demanding schedule ahead, the combination of international exposure and high-level competition is expected to take Sri Lanka rugby to the next level, bridging the gap with Asia’s top nations. Players will go through a medical test in the near future.

The Squad: Vimukthi Deshan, Hansitha de Silva, Charith Silva, Nisal Silva, Kavisha Amarasekera, Yoshitha Sithumina, Dilshan Jayah, Sabith Mushin, Pulasthi Dassanayake, Venura Kodhagoda, Shamika Kaushan, Thilina Bandara, Naveen Marasinghe, Shashika Jayawardena, Shenal Adikaram, Tharindhu Chathuranga, Lahiru Thilakarathne, Omalka Gunarathne, Oliver Buckle, Naham Hemachandra, Udesh Madushanka, Achitha Radeshan, Lasindhu Karunathilake, Chathura Dilshan, Harsha Maduranga, Vidhuna Amaneth, Kaveesha Kaluarachichi, Koojana Kulathunga, Thenunka Nanayakara, Isuru Kongahage, Gayantha Iddamalgoda, Naveen Kanishka, Arkash Madushanka, Diluksha Dange, Manika Ruberu, Promod Padamasanka, Dilshara Kodhagoda, Janidhu Dilshan, Dinal Ekanayake, Gamunu Chethiya, Jayathu Rajarathna, Chemod Muthunayake, Arosh Rathnayake, Murshid Zubair and Yuwan Pathirana. Head Coach Dushanth Lewke.