Saints announce historic Asia Pacific Lions fixture in Sri Lanka

May 13, 2026
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Ultimate Rugby

Northampton Saints have today agreed a new international collaboration with SC Global Consultancy’s Asia Pacific Lions Rugby (APL), following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.

The agreement will see the men in Black, Green and Gold travel to Sri Lanka in August 2026 to face the Asia Pacific Lions in a groundbreaking international fixture, representing one of the Club’s most ambitious global engagements to date.

Launched in 2025 by Sri Lankan rugby visionary Saabir Cader, the Asia Pacific Lions were created to elevate the standard of rugby across South Asia by introducing elite-level competition and international exposure to the region. Spearheading the project is Australian rugby icon David Campese, whose illustrious 14-year Test career with the Wallabies included 101 international caps and cemented his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

The Rugby World Cup winner serves as Director of Rugby for the Asia Pacific Lions and will oversee a Barbarians-style squad featuring leading talent drawn from across Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Saints will face the Lions on Friday 28 August at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka – a venue with a capacity of 10,000. Further details regarding kick-off time, ticketing, tour information, and community engagement programmes will be confirmed in due course.

“This is a hugely exciting opportunity for Saints,” said Northampton’s Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson. “We’re delighted to be taking on this challenge and heading somewhere so different. We haven’t travelled as a group during preseason for a while, so the chance to do that again is something the players and staff are really looking forward to.

“Immersing ourselves in a new culture and taking rugby to an emerging but passionate rugby nation like Sri Lanka creates powerful shared experiences for our group – while also contributing to the continued global development of the game.

“Touring internationally asks more of us as a squad; in how we prepare, how we train, how we cope with different conditions, and how we represent the Club. Those moments away from home are where real connections are built, and where all players and staff develop strong relationships on and off the field.

“Coming up against the Asia Pacific Lions in that environment will stretch us competitively and give the squad invaluable exposure that will benefit us long beyond this tour.”

David Campese, Director of Rugby for Asia Pacific Lions, added: “It’s an opportunity that reflects the diversity, talent, and ambition of Asia and the Pacific. Facing Northampton Saints gives us the perfect platform to showcase that on a global stage.

“I was there in Sri Lanka two years ago and met players whom I played against in Hong Kong 7s and Commonwealth Games 7s, so much passion for rugby, so the players need more opportunities like this, and fans deserves bigger events to witness in their country.”

Rugby in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka boasts a rich rugby heritage spanning over 140 years. Historically, touring sides from England, New Zealand, and the British & Irish Lions made stopovers for fixtures against Sri Lanka (then Ceylon RFU) more than a century ago. This tour symbolizes a revival of that historic connection, bringing professional international rugby back into the Sri Lankan spotlight.

At the grassroots level, school rugby plays a vital role in sustaining the sport’s popularity. Strong alumni networks, sponsors, and community support continues to drive this ecosystem.

Crowd engagement reflects this enthusiasm. Regular school matches attract between 4,000 and 5,000 spectators, while major traditional fixtures can draw crowds ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 fans, and the Sri Lankan top division is broadcast live on TV and via streaming platforms.

In recent years, Sri Lanka has become an increasingly attractive destination for touring international teams. New Zealand Rugby’s Under‑85kg national side has just completed its second tour of the country, following a successful inaugural visit in 2025. The return tour featured two highly competitive fixtures against the Sri Lankan national team, the Tuskers, played in Colombo and Kandy, with New Zealand U85kg recording victories of 27-16 and 25-10.

“We are proud to formalise this agreement and take Northampton Saints on an exciting new adventure internationally,” said Northampton Saints’ Chief Executive, Julia Chapman.

“From a rugby perspective, this fixture provides a unique opportunity to enhance our pre-season preparations in a challenging and inspiring environment.

“Sri Lanka is a rugby-loving nation and New Zealand’s recent tour drew passionate crowds and strong community engagement.

“Beyond the pitch, travelling to Colombo allows us to grow Saints’ brand in a new market, build meaningful international relationships, and explore potential long-term commercial opportunities.

“It reflects our openness to think differently, embrace new opportunities, and to contribute positively to the wider game.”

The Asia Pacific Lions initiative is designed to connect established rugby institutions with emerging regions – creating meaningful pathways for talent and fostering long-term collaboration and creating an untapped rugby tourism.

Saabir Cader, Founder and Director of the Asia Pacific Lions, said: “This is a historic day for rugby in our region. Signing this agreement at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens is a powerful statement of intent. Partnering with a club of Saints’ heritage, success and professionalism uphold our vision.

"I sincerely thank Julia and the team for accepting this offer and I warmly invite the loyal Saints supporters, the ‘Shoe Army,’ to visit our beautiful island in August.”

Pavithra Fernando, President of Sri Lanka Rugby extended his views: “This is a significant moment for Sri Lanka and Asia Rugby. Successfully hosting the New Zealand U85kg tour for the second consecutive year has been an invaluable experience, offering meaningful exposure and learning opportunities for our players and officials.

"We are thrilled to welcome Northampton Saints and the Asia Pacific Lions an exciting development that we believe will further elevate and transform the game across the region.”

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