NZ Under 85kg team to bring All Blacks with them for return to Sri Lanka

Players perform the Haka before the New Zealand Under 85kg v Sri Lanka Tuskers, Race Course Grounds, Colombo.
Photo: 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.
Photo: 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