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Sri Lanka to host Northampton Saints in landmark rugby clash
Sri Lanka is set to host English rugby club Northampton Saints for a major international fixture against the Asia Pacific Lions (APL) in Colombo in August 2026, following the signing of a partnership agreement between the two sides. The agreement was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens in England, organisers announced on Wednesday (13). The match, scheduled to be played at Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo on August 28, is expected to be one of the biggest international rugby events hosted in Sri Lanka in recent years. Asia Pacific Lions Founder and Director Saabir Cader described the partnership as “a historic day for rugby in our region,” saying the agreement represented a major step forward for rugby in Asia. “Partnering with a club of Saints’ heritage, success and professionalism upholds our vision,” Cader said, while inviting Northampton supporters to visit Sri Lanka for the tour. Former Australian rugby star David Campese, who serves as Director of Rugby for the Asia Pacific Lions, said the fixture would provide players from the region with greater international exposure. “There is so much passion for rugby in Sri Lanka. The players need more opportunities like this, and fans deserve bigger events to witness in their country,” Campese said. Meanwhile, Pavithra Fernando, the President of Sri Lanka Rugby said the event would help elevate rugby in Sri Lanka and the wider Asian region. “This is a significant moment for Sri Lanka and Asia Rugby,” Fernando said. Further details on ticketing and related community programmes are expected to be announced through the Asia Pacific Lions’ official platforms. (Newswire) 2026-05-13
Northampton Saints set for historic Sri Lanka match - BBC
August's match will be played at the 10,000-capacity Racecourse International Stadium in the Sri Lankan capital.Saints said the country "boasts a rich rugby heritage spanning over 140 years", with touring sides from England, New Zealand and the British & Irish Lions making stopovers there more than a century ago.England toured the country in 1971, while the British & Irish Lions visited as part of their tours of New Zealand and Australia in 1930 and 1950."This tour symbolizes a revival of that historic connection," the English club said in a statement.Saabir Cader, founder and director of the APL, said: "I warmly invite the loyal Saints supporters, the Shoe Army, to visit our beautiful island in August."The club said further details for fans wishing to travel to the match would be available "in due course".
Northampton Saints set for historic Sri Lanka match
The Prem Rugby side will travel to South Asia in August as part of their pre-season preparations.
Sri Lanka Welcomes World-Class Rugby Spectacle Featuring Northampton ...
In a landmark moment for rugby in Asia, the Asia Pacific Lions Rugby (APL) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Northampton Saints at Cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens, confirming a major international match to be staged in Sri Lanka in August 2026.
