New Zealand U85kg Rugby Team
Sri Lanka’s rugby fans are in for a historic treat today as the Sri Lanka Tuskers prepare to face the New Zealand Under-85kg rugby team in a thrilling encounter at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium in Kandy, with the match kicking-off at 4.15 p.m.
This match holds special significance as it marks the first meeting between the two teams in Sri Lanka, continuing a long-standing rugby connection that dates back over 70 years.
In 1955, a New Zealand rugby squad known as the New Zealand Colts, on their way to England, stopped in Sri Lanka and played a historic match in Colombo. Today, Sri Lanka rugby will relive that spirit as they take on one of the best weight-restricted rugby teams from New Zealand, a nation that is known for its rugby prowess and world-class players.
The excitement surrounding this match is palpable, as Sri Lanka seeks to challenge itself against some of New Zealand’s most promising Under-85kg talent.
Groundbreaking tour
The match is a result of months of hard work and negotiations, with the Sri Lanka Rugby Union (SLRU) forging a groundbreaking tour agreement with the New Zealand Rugby Union. Prof (Rear Admiral) Shemal Fernando, the Director General of Sports and the Competent Authority for Sri Lanka Rugby, played a pivotal role in making this historic match a reality.
The agreement was finalised on October 30, 2024, with the endorsement of Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who was the then Minister of Sports.
“It’s a great exposure for our Sri Lanka team and the New Zealand Under-85kg team,” said Sri Lanka Head Coach Sanath Marits. “New Zealand’s national rugby team is currently ranked number two in the world. This tour is a fantastic opportunity for our players to test themselves against some of the best in the game, and it’s all thanks to the efforts of former Sri Lanka High-Performance Coach Inthi Marikar.”
The match also holds significant weight for Sri Lankan rugby as the national team prepares for upcoming international fixtures, including the Asian Games in July. Sri Lanka’s Head Coach, Martis, emphasised the importance of this opportunity for the team, citing it as an essential step toward further growth.
The New Zealand Under-85kg squad is a formidable side, featuring some of the country’s best club rugby talent. The team is made up of players from 13 leading clubs across New Zealand, with many coming off strong performances in the National Club Cup Final last season.
This includes players from Christchurch’s High School Old Boys Light Bears and Auckland’s Pakuranga Black Panthers.
Valuable experience
The squad brings valuable experience, with several members having previously represented New Zealand at various levels. Jarred Percival, who captains the team, adds leadership and experience, having represented the Heartland XV in the past.
The Squads
The presence of foreign players such as former Dutch international Tyler Koning and ex-England Under-18 prop Tom Rowland further strengthens the squad’s credentials.
The New Zealand team will bring a physical and tactical edge to the game, something that the Tuskers will need to prepare for. Their pack is studded with talent, including players like Ben Biggelaar from Auckland’s Pakuranga Black Panthers and Pasia Asiata from Wellington’s Poneke Wanderers.
In the back division, the team boasts skillful playmakers like Campbell Busby and Francis Morrison, making this an exciting contest on both fronts.
Talent and ambition
The Sri Lankan squad, led by Nigel Ratwatte, will be looking to showcase their talent and ambition against the visiting team. The Tuskers, who have shown great promise in recent years, will be eager to display their growth and potential on this historic stage.
With a 36-member squad at their disposal, Coach Martis has given every player a chance to prove themselves in this highly competitive environment.
“We are building up our secondary level and this experience will help us prepare for the upcoming Asian Games,” said Martis. “Our players are excited and this exposure is going to be invaluable for their development.”
“We are ready for this challenge. The boys have been working hard, and this match will be an important stepping stone for Sri Lanka rugby,” said Sri Lanka Captain Ratwatte.
“It’s an honour to lead my team in such a historic encounter and we’ll give our best to make the nation proud.”
This match is not just about rugby; it’s about building relationships and creating lasting memories for both nations. The New Zealand High Commissioner and other key figures have played crucial roles in ensuring that this historic tour is a reality.
Sri Lanka Rugby stalwarts such as Priyantha Ekanayake, Group Captain Nalin de Silva (Rtd), and Rear Admiral Udaya Hettiarachchi (Rtd) have been instrumental in making this moment possible.
As the Tuskers prepare to take on the challenge of New Zealand, the rugby-loving public in Sri Lanka is urged to pack the Nittawela Rugby Stadium.
“We’ve seen tremendous support from fans at the Race Course International Stadium in the past, and I invite them to come out in full force once again to witness what promises to be a classic rugby encounter,” said Prof. Fernando.
Historic occasion
New Zealand Captain Percival shared his excitement ahead of the match, saying, “We know this is a historic occasion and we’re honoured to be part of it. Sri Lanka has a passionate rugby community and we’re looking forward to a great match. Our players are ready for the challenge, and we’re eager to show what we can do on the field.”
The match at Nittawela will be followed by another exciting fixture at the Racecourse Grounds on May 10. Referee: Bryce Lawrence
