Dialog Axiata Powers Historic NZ Under 85kg Rugby Tour to Sri Lanka .
Dialag Axiata Powers Historic NZ Under 85kg Rugby Tour to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Rugby SLR, together with principle sponsor Dialog Axata PLC, is delighted to
announce the historic vist of the New Zealand Under 85kg team to Sr Lanka next monthh for
w biatera matehes aainst the Sn Lankan men's team
his atmank tour olws an invitation extende by SLR early last year It will feature two
htures the fiston Mav 4 2025, at the Nittawela Rugby Stadum, and the second on May 10,
2025 a the Rae Couse Grounds in Colombo.
s the ooial sonsor Dialog Axiata ensures that fans won't nmiss a moment of the action,
with Ive ooverae of both the matches on Dialog Television ThePapare TV HD (Channel
126) along with Ivestreaming on ThePapare com and the Dialog ViU App.
Whiist Sn Lanka may not boast aS ich a rugby history as New Zealand, the island nation does
share a ascinating connection with an All Black legend. Sir Colin Meads, widely regarded as
One ofthe greatest rugby players of all time, played his first match in the iconic black jersey in
Sn Lanka (then known as Cevlon) for the NZ Colts side in 1955. This historical link adds a
DOgnant dimension to the upcoming tour.
This unprecedented exchange offers Sri Lankan players the invaluable opportunity to test their
mettle against stronger and technically superior opposition from New Zealand, a nation
Synonvmous with rugby eNCellence
The experience gained from these matches will undoutbtedly contribute to the development of
rgby in Sn Lanka, providing local players with insights into world-class techniques, strategies,
and approaches to the game.
For the tour, the Sn Lanka Tuskers will field an open-weight team, with one important
exCEDtion: all Sn Lankan prop forwards must weigh below 105kg. This restriction has been
implemented as a prudent safety measure, ensuring the well-being of all participants whilst
maintaining competitive integnity
Ris worth noting that the Under 85kg rugby division is not currently played anywhere in Asia,
making this tour particularly groundbreaking for the region. Despite the weight classification,
the New Zealand side is expected to provide formidable opposition for the local players,
showcasing the exceptional skill and tactical acumen that characterizes New Zealand rugby
at all levels
Sir Graham William Henry, will
Meanwhile, the fomer Worid Cup-winning All Blacks coach,
Henry" on April 7. The event,
host an interactive session titled "Fireside with Sir Graham
moderated by Scotty Stevenson, will be followed by dinner beginning at 7:30 PM at the
Cinnamon Grand Hotel. For bookings, contact the hotel at +9477763711. Sir Henry also
previously coached the Black Ferns.
1 title in 2024. Their competitive calendar remains busy, with a crucial relegaon
promotion fixture against the Malaysian Men's Senior Side scheduled for Apnl 2025,
determining mnovement between the top tier and Division 1 in Asian rugby.
The New Zealand Under 85kg Rugby NationalRepresentative Team was officialy established
in 2024, marking a significant development in weight-restricted rugby. At the time of its
formation, New Zealand Rugby indicated thev were "in discussions with another National
Union about an overseas tour in 2025"-those discussions have now evidently Cuiminated in
this exciting Sri Lankan tour.
Dialog Axiata continues its steadfast commitment to Sri Lankan sports as the proud sponsor
of multiple national teams, including Cricket, Volleyball, Netball, and Espots. The
telecommunications giant is also the primary sponsor of the Sri Lanka Golf Open and
Paralympic sports, powering both the National Para Games and the Sri Lankan contingent to
the World Paralympic Games. Furthermore, demonstrating its dedication to nurturing sporting
talent, Dialog continues to support the President's Gold Cup Volleyball, National Junior and
Senior Netball tournaments, and School Rugby across the country.
Fixture Schedule:
• Match 1 - Kandy, Sri Lanka - May 4, 2025
• Match 2 - Colombo, Sri Lanka - May 10, 2025
Prees Confrance and Loungede 2nd March 2025 @ 6.00pm Cinnamon Grand Hotel , Oak Room , Colombo , Sri Lanka .
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