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Tour Schedule Overview
Matches scheduled for the New Zealand Under-85kg series in Sri Lanka.
Primary Sources
Prima KottuMee Spices Up New Zealand Under‑85kg Tour in Sri ...
Sajith Gunaratne - General Manager of Ceylon Agro Industries, Prima Group Sri Lanka, presents the sponsorship to Hassan Sinhawansa - CEO/Executive Director of Sri Lanka Rugby, Imthi Marikkar - NZ Tour Coordinator, Pavithra Fernando - President of Sri Lanka Rugby, and Rohan Abayakoon - Member of the National Sports Council / Chairman of the NZ Tour Organising Committee. Prima KottuMee returns as the Hot 'N' Spicy food partner for the second year running, supporting Sri Lankan rugby as it gears up for the New Zealand Under-85kg Tour 2026 — a testament to the brand’s steadfast commitment to sports. The tour kicks off on 25 April under lights at Colombo Racecourse International Stadium, setting the stage for a hot and spicy XV-a-side clash between Sri Lanka and the New Zealand Under-85kg rugby team, before the two sides meet again for the second leg on 3 May at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium. Last year’s New Zealand Under-85kg Tour drew remarkable crowd support, with thousands of fans turning up across matches to witness the action firsthand. The strong turnout reflected growing enthusiasm for the game, creating a spirited match environment that lifted on-field energy and strengthened engagement with youth, which lies at the core of the brand’s focus. Sajith Gunaratne, General Manager of Ceylon Agro Industries, Prima Group Sri Lanka, noted, "Bringing the Hot ‘N’ Spicy spirit to the game, we are proud to once again partner with Sri Lanka Rugby to support our Tuskers as they gear up for the New Zealand Under‑85kg Series. This partnership highlights our continued commitment to backing local talent and strengthening the future of Sri Lanka's rugby.” Prima KottuMee’s long-standing support for Sri Lanka rugby, across school, professional, and national levels, reflects its steadfast commitment to the sport. Through supporting tournaments and nurturing young talent, the brand continues to help build a strong foundation for rugby across the country. With its continued support for Sri Lankan rugby, Prima KottuMee brings fans closer to the action, celebrates the spirit of the game, and empowers the next generation to take the sport to new heights.
Club battlers to celebrities: The NZ U85kg team touch down in Sri Lanka
6 hours ago New Zealand U85 run out alongside the Tuskers in Sri Lanka. Image courtesy of Johnny Hendrikus/NZR. The New Zealand Under 85kg team is back in Sri Lanka, aiming to repeat the success of their groundbreaking tour of 2025. That visit saw the team play in front of capacity crowds in Kandy and Colombo against the full Sri Lankan national side, resulting in two victories despite the obvious size disparity.“It’s a part of the world where we feel valued,” said captain Jarred Percival.“Getting amongst it, having photos and signing autographs…we love it here.”VIDEOThere is a strong All Black connection to the U85kg side, with veteran prop John Afoa travelling as an assistant coach, while former captain Kieran Read will join the tour this weekend.The interest in the team is high in a country normally associated with cricket, however it may come as a surprise to many that rugby is deeply ingrained in Sri Lankan sporting culture. All major secondary schools have rugby teams and a highly competitive national schools competition. However, the ‘Tuskers’ have found it historically difficult to develop due to the limited opportunities to play Test matches.They are currently ranked 47th in the world, however it is hoped that more fixtures like this will help them improve.“We know they’re going to be hungry after last year’s performance,” said vice-captain Josh Gellert.“I don’t think the scores really reflected how tough those games were. They will have a few new guys, so we need to match that energy.”Gellert and the rest of the team have been selected from club rugby sides in New Zealand, so the jump from training on cold evenings after work one week to being put up in the seven-star City of Dreams hotel in Colombo has been “quite the adjustment”.“I don’t think we’ll ever experience a buffet like this ever again. It is quite ironic that we’re an Under-85 kg team and everyone’s eating so well. We’re all soaking it in; it’s great for culture building.”The Under 85kg grade started in New Zealand almost three decades ago and has long been associated with school leavers that might otherwise drift away from participation. A national club cup competition has been run since 2021, with the final being played as a curtain-raiser for All Blacks Tests and televised live.From a broader perspective, the tour is strengthening relations between New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Read will be headlining a sold-out function this weekend for dignitaries and guests, with NZ High Commission...
The New Zealand U85KG are touching down in Sri Lanka for 2026 ...
Prima KOTTU MEE HOT HOT'N' ימי SPICY New Zealand U85KG tour of Sri Lanka ... NEW ZEALAND UNDER 85KG TOUR OF SRI LANKA Two exciting clashes ...
Sri Lanka 24 Hours Online Breaking News - Dailymirror.lk
4 hours ago ... 20 Jun 0001. 0. 8929. Lanka Bell, Sri Lanka's largest fixed wireless ... Prima KottuMee Spices Up New Zealand Under‑85kg Tour in Sri Lanka · Munchee ...
