The New Zealand Under 85kg Rugby Team will arrive on Wednesday, 30th April 2025 (Today), for the much-awaited blockbuster rugby encounter against Sri Lanka. This embarks on a new journey for New Zealand rugby as well because this will be the first international tour for the official New Zealand U85kg side.
This is the first instance where any kind of New Zealand team will be featuring in Sri Lanka since way back in 1907, when the Sri Lankan outfit (All Ceylon Team) played their first international encounter against the mighty Allbalcks. It is a truth that Sri Lanka has long been a rugby-loving nation, and this will be a divine opportunity to both fans and players to enjoy some new experience in weight-restricted rugby.
The touring U-85 New Zealand will compose with the greatest skills in the country as they have been selected from 13 leading clubs and twelve of the players who were featured in last season’s club cup final. Though this will be the first official New Zealand Under 85kg national side, as usual few foreign players will also have been picked to strengthen the outfit. Former Dutch international Tyler Koning and ex-England U18 prop Tom Rowland will add some international flavor to the formidable lineup.
Sri Lankan Tuskers will be expected to stage a superb performance with pace and power, especially after their dream run against Fijian backed Malaysian side. The final Sri Lankan squad is yet to be announced.
This landmark tour will be sponsored by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, SriLankan Airlines and presented by Dialog Axiata.
Match Details:
Game 1: Sunday, May 4 at 4:00 PM (SLT)
Venue: Nittawela Rugby Stadium, Kandy
Game 2: Saturday, May 10 at 6:30 PM (SLT)
Venue: Racecourse Grounds, Colombo
, for the much-awaited blockbuster rugby encounter against Sri Lanka. This embarks on a new journey for New Zealand rugby as well because this will be the first international tour for the official New Zealand U85kg side.){kind=link}