Massey's Luke Eyre heads off to Sri Lanka with New Zealand U85's National team for a rugby tour of that country, tomorrow.

The team fly's out for 2 "Test Matches" and an opportunity to help grow the sport in that country.

Luke has been an outstanding member of the Massey Panthers team for many years as well as captaining the team.

Massey Rugby Club is very proud of his selection and having him representing the club and we wish him all the best and a successful trip.

Below is part of the article of the tour

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has confirmed the inaugural Under 85kg national team will leave in the next few days to tour Sri Lanka this May.

After receiving an invitation earlier this year, the New Zealand side will play two fixtures against the Sri Lankan men's team, known as the Tuskers.

While Sri Lanka might not spring to mind as a rugby nation, it does have a connection to an All Black great. Sir Colin Meads played his first match in a black jersey in Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon, for the NZ Colts side in 1955.

NZR's General Manager of Community Rugby Steve Lancaster said it was a great opportunity to continue building on the importance of the grade nationally and to take weight-grade rugby to a developing rugby nation.

"It's exciting to confirm this inaugural tour for our Under 85kg national team, and playing against an open-weight national side will be a great challenge for them.

"We have also worked closely with the New Zealand High Commission in Sri Lanka in establishing the tour and are extremely grateful for their help in supporting the tour and promoting rugby in the region."

New Zealand Under 85kg tour 2025

New Zealand U85kg v Sri Lanka

May 4 in Kandy

New Zealand U85kg v Sri Lanka

May 10 in Colombo

New Zealand Harbour Players in the Under 85kg squad

Luke Eyre (Massey, North Harbour)

Jackson Ephraims (Takapuna Bombers, North Harbour)

Pieter Swarts (East Coast Bays Badgers, North Harbour)

Article added: Wednesday 30 April 2025