New Zealand name Under 85kg team to tour Sri Lanka

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) today confirmed the inaugural Under 85kg national team will tour Sri Lanka in May next year.

After receiving an invitation from the South Asian country earlier this year, it has been announced the New Zealand Under 85kg team will play two fixtures against the Sri Lankan men’s team, known as the Tuskers.

NZR’s General Manager of Community Rugby Steve Lancaster said it was a great opportunity to continue building on the importance of the grade nationally and to take weight-grade rugby to a developing rugby nation.

“It’s exciting to confirm this inaugural tour for our Under 85kg national team, and playing against an open-weight national side will be a great challenge for them. 

“We have also worked closely with the New Zealand High Commission in Sri Lanka in establishing the tour and are extremely grateful for their help in supporting the tour and promoting rugby in the region.”

Sri Lankan Prime Minister the Honourable Dr Harini Amarasuriya noted what a significant milestone this tour would be.

“This occasion promises to energise the nation’s rugby enthusiasts as they witness a powerhouse of the sport take on our National Team in two thrilling matches. We look forward to celebrating this historic occasion together, uniting through our shared passion for the game," said Dr Amarasuriya.

New Zealand Barbarian Rugby Club has partnered with NZR in providing support to select and assmble the team. Club Captain Peter White said;

“The NZ Barbarian Rugby Club is committed to growing rugby in New Zealand and are proud of our long term association with, and promotion of, weight restricted rugby. We are excited by the selection of this team which provides the opportunity for players from the grade to play international rugby and most importantly for these trail blazers to make lifelong friendships by touring together.”
 

New Zealand Under 85kg tour 2025
New Zealand U85kg v Sri Lanka
May 4 in Kandy, Sri Lanka
New Zealand U85kg v Sri Lanka
May 10 in Colombo, Sri Lanka

The New Zealand Under 85kg team is (Club team/Provincial Union);

FORWARDS
Pasia Asiata (Poneke Wanderers, Wellington)
Ben Biggelaar (Pakuranga Black Panthers, Auckland)
Rory Cavanagh (Pakuranga Black Panthers, Auckland)
Lewis Craik (Morrinsville Majestic Pukekos, Waikato)
Jeandre Du Toit (Pakuranga Black Panthers, Auckland)
Luke Eyre (Massey Rock n Rumble, North Harbour)
Josh Gellert (Auckland University Slug Collectors, Auckland)
Frazer Harrison (Auckland University Squids, Auckland)
Tyler Koning (High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury)
Jack Laity (Auckland University Slug Collectors, Auckland)
Callum Nimmo (High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury)
Ridgley Paxton (Karaka Razzlers, Counties Manukau)
Josh Purdon (High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury)
Tom Rowland (Eden Lizards, Auckland)
Simon Sia (Morrinsville Majestic Pukekos, Waikato)
Matt Treeby (Tawa Ducks, Wellington)

BACKS 
Campbell Busby (Auckland University Squids, Auckland)
Taine Cordell Hull (High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury)
Jackson Ephraims (Takapuna Bombers, North Harbour)
Ben Megson (Grammar TEC Old Boys, Auckland)
Ned Milne (High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury)
Francis Morrison (Pakuranga Black Panthers, Auckland)
Jarred Percival (High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury)
Jamie Petford (Pakuranga Black Panthers, Auckland)
Adam Preston (Tawa Ducks, Wellington)
Eamon Reilly (Ponsonby Hustlers, Auckland)
Ben Scott (High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury)
Pieter Swarts (East Coast Bays Badgers, North Harbour)

Coach: Ngatai Walker
Manager: Grant Wilson

Wider Squad / Injury Cover
Jono Kilsby (High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury)
Ethan James (Karaka Razzlers, Counties Manukau)
Will Boswell (Auckland University Slug Collectors, Auckland)
Kees Jansen (Old Boys University Scallywags, Wellington) 

Not considered due to eligibility 
Ofa Leaamanu (Karaka Razzlers, Counties Manukau)
Jone Muakalou (Karaka Razzlers, Counties Manukau)