Sysco LABS props up Kandy Tuskers as Strategic Partner

Tuesday, 15 September 2026 04:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: Kandy Tuskers Head Coach Fazil Marija, Sysco LABS Director – Brand and Communications Gian De Rose, Managing Director Thushera Kawdawatta, Kandy Tuskers Co-Owner Tharanga Gunasekera, Sri Lanka Rugby President Pavithra Fernando, and Kandy Tuskers Co-Owner Hemanga Karunasena – Pic by Sameera Wijesinghe

Sysco LABS has joined the Kandy Tuskers as Strategic Partner for the inaugural Franchise XV Rugby League, strengthening a shared commitment to developing young talent and creating a structured pathway for the next generation of Sri Lankan rugby players.

Launched by Sri Lanka Rugby, this brings together 140 leading Under-19 players across four franchises: Kandy Tuskers, Colombo Aces, Galle Lions, and Jaffna Bulls.

The new competition is designed to bridge the gap between school rugby and the national high-performance pathway, providing talented players with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a competitive environment.

The partnership between Sysco LABS and the Kandy Tuskers reflects a common belief that talent needs the right environment, opportunities, and guidance to develop into high performance.

As the Global Innovation Centre of Sysco Corporation, Sysco LABS has built a strong reputation for developing technology talent in Sri Lanka, particularly by providing young people with exposure and opportunities to progress in their careers.

Sysco LABS Director – Brand and Communications Gian De Rose said the partnership represented a natural alignment between the company’s values and the objectives of the franchise rugby. He highlighted qualities such as collaboration, resilience, discipline, and strategy, which are equally important in high-performing technology teams and rugby.

Kandy Tuskers Co-Owner Tharanga Gunasekera welcomed Sysco LABS as the franchise’s Strategic Partner for the next three years. He said the Tuskers were delighted to be part of the inaugural league and were determined to build a culture based on values, performance, and pride while remaining true to Kandy’s rich rugby heritage.

The Tuskers will have Fazil Marija as their Head Coach.

The season will kick off on 19 September with the country’s most promising young players competing for the first franchise championship. (SJ)