Sri Lanka is set to host one of its biggest international rugby events when the Asia Pacific Lions take on English Premiership side Northampton Saints later this month.
The announcement was made during the official launch of the “Asia Pacific Lions vs Northampton Saints Tour of Sri Lanka 2026” held at City of Dreams, attended by Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage.
The main rugby fixture will be played on August 28 at 4:30 p.m. at the Colombo Racecourse International Stadium.
As part of the tour, an exhibition T20 charity cricket match featuring international rugby stars and Sri Lankan cricket legends, including Aravinda de Silva, Mahela Jayawardene and Chaminda Vaas, will be held on August 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the CCC Grounds.
The programme will also include community rugby clinics, coach education initiatives and school youth development programmes across the country.
Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage said the event would help position Sri Lanka as a leading sports tourism destination while giving local fans the opportunity to experience world-class rugby on home soil. He added that the initiative would support the development of rugby in Sri Lanka and further strengthen the country’s international sporting profile. (Newswire)