New Zealand U85kg Rugby Team Sets for Historic Sri Lanka Tour

Sri Lanka is the destination of the New Zealand Under-85kg rugby team's international tour in May 2025.

The historic tour promotes sports collaborations and competitions between the two countries while establishing the first weight-restricted rugby tour between Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

Matches at the Race Course Grounds in Colombo on Saturday, May 10, 2025, and Nittawela Rugby Stadium in Kandy on Sunday, May 4, 2025, are part of the touring itinerary. According to local time, all of the matches will begin at 4:00 PM.

Auckland University Slug Collectors, High School Old Boys Light Bears, and Pakuranga Black Panthers representatives from the New Zealand Under-85kg National Club Cup are among the players taking part in this tour. Grant Wilson is in charge of the players, who are led by team coach Ngatai Walker.

Players with no weight limitations will play for Sri Lanka's Tuskers national team versus New Zealand. In order to ensure player safety and equity, prop forwards are required to weigh no more than 105 kg. Because it allows national players to get essential experience at the international level, the international tour is extremely valuable to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, was thrilled about the Future Leader tour because he thought it would unite rugby fans and encourage local rugby communities throughout the country. The New Zealand Barbarian Rugby Club and New Zealand Rugby selected the players for the squad. The choice promotes the objectives of weight-restricted rugby and international relations.

The landmark tour marks an exciting new time for rugby in both New Zealand and Sri Lanka by creating prospects for global athletic collaborations.