New Zealand Rugby has announced an exciting return to Sri Lanka for the New Zealand Under 85kg national team in April 2026, launching a two‑match international tour designed to deepen global rugby ties and fuel the sport’s growing presence across the region.
The tour will feature two fixtures against Sri Lanka’s national side, with Game One in Colombo on 25 April and Game Two in Kandy on 3 May.
Steve Lancaster, Interim Chief Executive of New Zealand Rugby, says that the 2025 tour had a lasting impact well beyond the field.
“We’re genuinely stoked to be able to confirm this tour and give this team the opportunity to represent New Zealand overseas again. Sri Lanka are a proud rugby nation and last year’s tour drew passionate crowds and strong community engagement. We know the Sri Lankan team will offer another strong challenge on the field and that’s exactly what you expect when you pull on a black jersey.”
Ben Sinnamon, Head Coach of the New Zealand Under 85kg team, said the confirmed tour presents a demanding rugby challenge for the group.
“From a rugby perspective, this is a fantastic opportunity for our players.
The Tuskers are a passionate rugby team, and we know the standard will be higher again in 2026. Playing in that environment, including the heat and conditions, places real demands on preparation, discipline and execution.
Touring and playing internationally asks more of you as a player, in how you prepare, how you compete and how you represent the jersey. This tour gives our players the chance to test themselves properly, grow as a team and experience what it means to represent New Zealand offshore.”
Supporting Sinnamon is a coaching group that blends high performance experience with deep roots in the community game. Former international John Afoa adds technical and high-performance expertise, while Scott Hooper brings extensive experience within the Under 85kg community through Pukekohe Rugby Club and Counties Manukau Rugby Union.
The 2026 tour also recognises the role rugby can play in supporting Sri Lanka’s sporting landscape, with the 2025 series widely regarded as a catalyst for renewed interest, participation and pride in the local game.
Ben Tinnelly, New Zealand Rugby Under 85kg Tour Campaign Manager, said the tour continues to strengthen connections between New Zealand and Sri Lanka through rugby.
“We are working closely with the New Zealand High Commission in Sri Lanka, who were thrilled with the impact of last year’s tour,” Tinnelly said.
“There is already strong interest building across sponsors, fans, schools and rugby administrators, which shows the role rugby can play in connecting communities and supporting the game’s growth in the region.”
The Under 85kg programme continues to play an important role in New Zealand Rugby’s participation pathway, offering representative opportunities for club players while also supporting international rugby development through meaningful engagement.
2026 Tour Fixtures
Game One:
New Zealand Under 85kg v Sri Lanka Tuskers
Colombo – 25 April 2026
Game Two:
New Zealand Under 85kg v Sri Lanka Tuskers
Kandy – 3 May 2026
Squad Information
A New Zealand Under 85kg squad has been confirmed for the tour, featuring a blend of players returning from the 2025 series and new selections from the National Under 85kg Club Cup.
The squad has been selected from clubs across the country and reflects the growing depth and reach of the Under 85kg game in New Zealand.
Weight-restricted rugby
Under 85kg rugby is a weight restricted format designed to promote inclusivity, skill and safety by removing size mismatches from the game.
The format places a strong emphasis on speed, fitness, decision making and technical ability rather than physical size.
New Zealand has the most established and visible weight-restricted programme through Under 85kg rugby, with structured domestic competitions and an international representative pathway.
International tours play an important role in the development of the programme, exposing players to different playing styles, conditions and rugby cultures.
