Sri Lanka take on New Zealand Under-85kgs on April 25 and May 3 Free in Kandy, pay in Colombo

By Shamseer Jaleel

Rugby followers in the country can witness Sri Lanka take on the New Zealand Under-85 kgs team free of charge in Kandy but some fans will have to pay to witness the budding All Blacks players when they open their two-match tour of the island at the Race Course ground in Colombo.

Sri Lanka will take on the New Zealand under-85 kgs team in the first of two matches on April 25 at the Racecourse ground in Colombo under lights followed by the second game in Kandy on May 3.

The New Zealand Under-85kgs team toured Sri Lanka last year and won both matches played in Colombo and Kandy.

Both countries have decided to make the series an annual event after considering it a success last year.

According to Sri Lanka Rugby, this year’s series will feature some “engagement activities” that will also be part of the tour including what is being called a community session on April 27 at the CR and FC ground and a special ‘fireside session’ featuring former All Blacks player Kieren Reid at Cinnamon Life, adding further value to the schedule.

The teams will also involve in what is touted as a community engagement on May 1 at the Trinity College Rugby Stadium in Pallekele strengthening grassroots connections according to Sri Lanka Rugby.  

Spectators for the Kandy match will have free entry and rugby fans targeting the Colombo match will have to pay to sit in the Upper Grand Stand at the Racecourse ground, the rest of which is not barricaded.

All match officials will be appointed by Asian Rugby.