This partnership marks a defining milestone — the first time a Sri Lankan brand has stepped forward to sponsor an international rugby team, placing Sri Lanka firmly on the global rugby map.
The tour carries historical significance. It will mark the return of New Zealand Rugby to Sri Lankan soil after a gap of seventy years, with the last visit having taken place in 1955.
This momentous occasion will be celebrated with two exhibition matches, the first scheduled for the 4th of May 2025 at the iconic Nittawela Rugby Stadium in Kandy, followed by the second match on the 10th of May 2025 at the vibrant Racecourse Grounds in Colombo.
New Zealand Rugby enjoys legendary status worldwide, renowned for its rich heritage, extraordinary success, and excellence on the field.
Recognizing the global prestige associated with New Zealand Rugby, Maliban’s vision through this initiative was to bring down a world-class brand to Sri Lanka — elevating the country’s exposure on the international sporting stage and providing inspiration for future generations.
But the impact of this tour extends far beyond the pitch. One of the core objectives is to ignite a passion for rugby among Sri Lankan youth, especially at the school level. Having one of the world's best rugby nations visit and engage with local players offers an unparalleled opportunity for inspiration.
Through coaching sessions, school visits, and community engagements, the New Zealand Under 85kg team aims to inspire a new generation of athletes to dream bigger, train harder, and reach for global excellence.
Equally significant is the goal of boosting sports tourism in Sri Lanka, as Maliban, alongside the New Zealand High Commission, seeks to attract more rugby enthusiasts and tourists from New Zealand to experience Sri Lanka’s hospitality, culture, and sporting spirit — further positioning the country as an emerging destination for major sporting events.
“Bringing New Zealand Rugby back to Sri Lanka after seventy years is a proud and meaningful moment for our team,” said Ngatai Walker, Head Coach of the New Zealand Under 85kg Rugby Team.
“This tour is about more than the game — it’s a chance to showcase our fast, skilful style of rugby, connect through a shared passion, and help grow the sport we love.
We want to inspire, build friendships, and leave a legacy that reaches far beyond the final whistle.
We’re also proud and deeply grateful to partner with Maliban — a company that shares our values of community, connection, and opportunity.
Their support is helping to bring this vision to life.”His Excellency, the New Zealand Ambassador to Sri Lanka, also highlighted the significance of this initiative, saying, “Sport has always been a bridge between nations, and this tour stands as a powerful symbol of the friendship between New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
We are proud to work with Maliban to make this a platform not only for rugby but for tourism, cultural exchange, and long-lasting partnerships between our two countries.”
The importance of the event for Sri Lanka’s rugby future was echoed by Nalin De Silva, President Elect of Sri Lanka Rugby, who commented,
“This tour is a timely reminder of the heights we can aspire to.
Having New Zealand rugby stars interact with our young players will light a fire in their hearts.
It’s an investment in the future of Sri Lankan rugby, and we deeply appreciate Maliban’s vision in making this possible.”
As the main force behind this historic endeavor, Maliban sees this as a natural extension of its brand philosophy.
Mr. Ravi Jayawardena, The Group CEO of Maliban, in a proud statement, said,
“For over seven decades, Maliban has been a brand that believes in inspiring goodness, not just through our products, but through actions that uplift communities and create new possibilities.
Sponsoring the New Zealand Under 85kg Rugby Tour is about giving back, about building dreams, and about showing the world that Sri Lanka is ready to stand tall in global sporting arenas.
We are honored to be part of history in the making.”
The New Zealand Under 85kg Rugby Tour, backed by Maliban, promises to be more than just a series of matches.
It is a celebration of sporting excellence, youth empowerment, and cross-cultural friendship — a new chapter where Sri Lanka proudly claims its place on the international rugby stage.
As excitement builds across the country, this initiative stands as a shining example of how visionary brands and committed communities can together spark movements that leave a lasting legacy.
