In a bold and inspiring move, Rugby For Life (RFL) launched its first international venture through the Sri Lanka Pathway Tour, an initiative blending competitive rugby, cultural connection, and personal development. More than a typical sports tour, this pilot programme reflects RFL’s commitment to growth, leadership, and meaningful opportunity for participants of all ages.
This tour began through genuine connections made at an All Blacks Test match in New Zealand, where RFL’s Chairman, Ajit Balasingham, met Sri Lankan Sports Council member and former national centre Pavithra Fernando. That conversation opened the door to further discussions with Sri Lanka Rugby and key figures within the country’s rugby community.
With recent changes to Sri Lanka Rugby’s constitution allowing overseas players back into their premier competition, the opportunity emerged for a small group of players from Northland clubs to join nine premier teams, creating a development bridge that may eventually connect into national pathways like the Sri Lanka Tuskers.
Behind the scenes, RFL spent months carefully navigating club relationships, ensuring cultural understanding, integrity of process, and strong welfare systems for all participants.
At the heart of this tour is something much bigger than rugby. It’s about developing adaptable, grounded, culturally aware individuals who grow through challenge and change.
Throughout their time in Sri Lanka, players are supported to:
These experiences stretch players well beyond the field. As one participant shared in his weekly check-in:
“This is the challenge and growth I didn’t know I needed.”
While rugby drives the schedule, the greater value lies in the day-to-day learning that comes from living within Sri Lankan communities.
Current living arrangements vary and are offering rich, real-world experience:
Rather than sightseeing or tourism at this stage, more cultural and community experiences will be added over the coming months as the exchange deepens.
This tour has opened new doors for RFL. Meaningful relationships have formed from club management to the New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Early discussions are underway for future cultural exchanges, including tikanga Māori-based programmes and potential coaching pathways across Sri Lankan schools.
RFL is also assisting Sri Lanka Rugby with sourcing national team coaches for both the 7s and 15s programmes, an exciting indicator of trust and collaboration between the two nations.
The first tour came together rapidly, with just a three-week window. Four players from Whangaruru and Kamo Rugby Clubs were selected based on readiness, character, and potential both on and off the field:
Going forward, RFL will implement a more structured selection framework, including:
The goal is clear: to select players committed not just to rugby, but to personal growth and giving back to their communities.
RFL has supported this pilot by covering the players’ travel insurance, while the participating clubs funded flights, visas, accommodation, meals, and pocket money. In addition, RFL funded the on-ground coordination visit to Sri Lanka, ensuring strong relationship-building, welfare planning, and pastoral care systems were in place.
Daily check-ins have replaced weekly ones, becoming essential moments of pastoral care helping players navigate transitions, challenges, and homesickness.
This programme demanded significant behind-the-scenes work, including:
These efforts reflect RFL’s unwavering commitment to opening doors for its people and setting them up for success.
When players return, RFL will run full debrief sessions, gather learnings, and share insights with clubs. Players will also be encouraged to share their experiences with younger members potentially evolving into mentorship roles, school visits, or leadership opportunities.
As one visiting coach shared:
“This tour wasn’t just about rugby. It was about their mana.”
Clubs interested in nominating players for future tours can expect a formal application process launching early in 2026, following post-tour evaluations.
For all clubs, parents, and players inspired by this Kaupapa stay connected.
The journey is just beginning, and the opportunities are growing.
Learn more about RFL’s programmes and player pathways at rugbyforlife.org.nz