Source: Radio New Zealand
Players perform the Haka before the New Zealand Under 85kg v Sri Lanka Tuskers, Race Course Grounds, Colombo. Lahiru Harshana / Action press
New Zealand’s newest national rugby side has had their schedule locked in for 2026.
The New Zealand Under 85kg team will repeat their historic visit to Sri Lanka, which last year saw two statement wins in front of massive crowds in Kandy and Colombo.
The tour will once again feature two fixtures against Sri Lanka’s full national side, with Game One in Colombo on April 25th and Game Two in Kandy on May 3rd.
The two sides will once again compete for the Sir Graham Henry Trophy, with former All Black captain Kieran Read set to make the trip as an NZ Rugby (NZR) Ambassador.
Another former All Black, prop John Afoa, comes in as an assistant coach.
Steve Lancaster, Interim Chief Executive of NZR, said 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 is 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.”
The side will have a new coach, with Ben Sinnamon stepping into the role left by Ngatai Walker.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our players,” he said.
“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. 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.”
NZ U85kg side pays respects to their Sri Lankan hosts. Lahiru Harshana/ActionPress
Tour Campaign Manager Ben Tinnelly said the matches will continue to strengthen connections between New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
“We are working closely with the New Zealand High Commission in Sri Lanka, who were thrilled with the impact of last year’s tour,” Tinnelly said.
“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 U85kg squad
Forwards
Callum Nimmo – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury
Matt Treeby – Poneke Wanderers, Wellington
Tom Rowland – Eden Lizards, Auckland
Frazer Harrison – University Squids, Auckland
Jeandre Du Toit – Pakuranga Panthers, Auckland
Simon Sia – Morrinsville Majestic Pukekos, Waikato
Oliver Dunn-Parrant* – Silverdale Truffle Pigs, North Harbour
Jack Laity – University Slugs, Auckland
Rory Cavanagh – Pakuranga Panthers, Auckland
Billy Sloan* – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury
Bailey Clark* – Waihora Longhorns, Canterbury
Pasia Asiata – Pōneke Wanderers, Wellington
Josh Purdon – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury
Josh Gellert – University Slugs, Auckland
Josh Evans* – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury
Sunia Vosikata* – Karaka Razzlers, Counties Manukau
Backs
Jackson Ephraims – Silverdale Truffle Pigs, North Harbour
Taine Cordell Hull – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury
Jarred Percival – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury
Toby Snelgrove* – Silverdale Truffle Pigs, North Harbour
Adam Preston – Pōneke Wanderers, Wellington
Campbell Busby – University Squids, Auckland
Mafea Taiulu Feso* – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury
Nick Robertson* – Pōneke Wanderers, Wellington
Ben Kelt* – University Squids, Auckland
Ned Milne – High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury
Francis Morrison – Pakuranga Panthers, Auckland
Pieter Swarts – East Coast Bays Badgers, North Harbour
Reserves
Seamus Rowberry* – Pōneke Wanderers, Wellington
Nick Francis* – Silverdale Truffle Pigs, North Harbour
* denotes a new cap
2026 Tour Fixtures
Game One:
New Zealand Under 85kg v Sri Lanka Tuskers
Colombo – 25 April 2026
Game Two:
New Zealand Under 85kg v Sri Lanka Tuskers
Kandy – 3 May 2026
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
