Sri Lanka will host English Premiership club Northampton Saints for an international fixture against the Asia Pacific Lions (APL) in Colombo on August 28, organisers announced on Wednesday after signing a Memorandum of Understanding at Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens in England.
The match will be played at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo and is expected to be one of the largest international rugby events hosted in Sri Lanka in recent years.
Asia Pacific Lions Founder and Director Saabir Cader described the partnership as “a historic day for rugby in our region,” saying the agreement was a major step forward for Asian rugby. “Partnering with a club of Saints’ heritage, success and professionalism upholds our vision,” Cader said, inviting Northampton supporters to visit Sri Lanka for the tour.
Former Australian rugby star David Campese, APL Director of Rugby, said the fixture would give regional players greater international exposure. “There is so much passion for rugby in Sri Lanka. The players need more opportunities like this, and fans deserve bigger events to witness in their country,” Campese said.
Sri Lanka Rugby President Pavithra Fernando said the event would help elevate the sport in Sri Lanka and the wider Asian region. Further details on ticketing and community programmes are expected via Asia Pacific Lions’ platforms.
The announcement adds to a busy domestic season that recently saw Trinity College beat Royal College 58-26 in the President’s Trophy.
Update — June 17: Sports Week branding and full programme
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has formally endorsed the visit as part of an “International Sports Week” running from August 22 to 28, broadening the Northampton Saints fixture into a multi-event tourism programme, Newswire reported on Tuesday. Australian rugby legend David Campese and former Wallabies captain Will Genia will join the touring line-up alongside the 10 Northampton-affiliated English internationals.
On August 23 a T20 charity cricket match will pit international rugby stars against Sri Lanka Cricket Legends, blending the two sporting cultures for a fundraising appeal. The week will also feature international training opportunities for the Sri Lanka XVs squad, a “Coach the Coach” programme, and island-wide community outreach sessions aimed at strengthening grassroots sports.
The tour culminates on August 28 with the main rugby match at the Colombo Racecourse International Stadium. The ministry said the initiative is designed to promote Sri Lanka as a safe, world-class sports tourism destination.
Reported by Newswire (May 13, 8:22 PM); updated with the Sports Week programme reported by Newswire on June 17.
