NZ U85KG Set To Return To Sri Lanka in 2026 For Two-Match Tour

Originally included on the Sri Lanka Rugby Union’s 2026 calendar of events and now confirmed by New Zealand Rugby, the NZ U85kg side will be returning to Sri Lanka for a two-match tour in 2026, looking to retain the Sir Graham Henry Trophy, which they won in the 2-0 series.

New Zealand Rugby said they are 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, like in 2025, against Sri Lanka’s national side, the Tuskers, in Colombo on 25 April and in Kandy on 3 May.

Last year, the NZ side won 50-10 and 32-6. The Sri Lanka national XVs team will also be using the fixtures to prepare for the Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship, as they are due to play on the following dates:

• 24 May 2026: Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong China – Colombo
• 5 June 2026: UAE vs Sri Lanka – Dubai
• 13 June 2026: Korea vs Sri Lanka – Incheon

Sri Lanka Men’s XV 2025 prepare for Asia Rugby Men’s Championship 2025 vs NZ U85KG

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.”

Last year’s NZ Head Coach, Ngatai Walker, moved on to take up a role at Hong Kong Scottish RFC in the Hong Kong China Nan Fung Group | AIRSIDE Hong Kong Premiership.

Current NZ U85kg Head Coach, Ben Sinnamon, said, “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”, added the NZ Head Coach.

Sinnamon will be supported by a coaching team that includes former international John Afoa (38 caps for the All-Blacks), and Scott Hooper, who has “extensive experience within the Under 85kg community through Pukekohe Rugby Club and Counties Manukau Rugby Union.”

See more from our interview last year with Mike Hester, New Zealand Rugby’s Head of Rugby Participation, who explained how the NZ U85KG Tour to Sri Lanka came about, what would be seen as a positive outcome, as well as possible opportunities.

New Zealand and Sri Lanka Rugby

The 2025 tour saw two sell-out crowds in Nittawela Rugby Stadium in Kandy and at the Racecourse Ground in Colombo, which has a capacity of 10,000.

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. 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.”

New Zealand Under 85kg Touring Squad

A New Zealand Under 85kg squad has been confirmed for the tour and will include players returning from the 2025 series and new selections from the National Under 85kg Club Cup.

2025 tour captain Jarred Percival, who had an excellent series, is among those on the list, as is Pasia Asiata (nephew of former Manu Samoa midfielder Brian ‘Chiropractor’ Lima).

2026 Tour Fixtures – New Zealand Under 85kg v Sri Lanka Tuskers

The fixtures are at the same venues they were played at in 2025, but in reverse order.

• Game One – Colombo – 25 April 2026
• Game Two – Kandy – 3 May 2026

Where to Watch NZ U85kg Tour of Sri Lanka 2026

In 2025, the games were broadcast in Sri Lanka via local partner Dialog, and fans in NZ and globally could see the games on the NZR platform NZ Plus (which is free to download). Details for 2026 are still to be confirmed.

Asian Rugby Tournament News 2026

• New Zealand Rugby’s Mike Hester Explains What Weight Restricted U85kg Rugby Is.
• Asian International Rugby Tournaments 2026.
• 2026 Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens – Fan’s Guide On What You Need To Know.
• Kyushu Women’s Sevens – Nanairo Cup Kitakyushu 2026 Teams Confirmed.