COLOMBO, Apr 24 (ePRESS) – Sri Lanka’s Tuskers will take on the touring New Zealand Under-85kg rugby team in the opening Test of a two-match series at the Racecourse Grounds in Colombo tomorrow (April 25), with kickoff at 7.00 p.m. under floodlights, as a growing weight controversy casts a shadow over the much-anticipated clash.
Concerns have emerged on the eve of the match that a significant number of players in the visiting squad may be above the 85kg limit, despite competing under the Under-85kg category. Information from team circles indicates that at least ten players are believed to exceed the stipulated weight.
The issue has been intensified by reports that the New Zealand side has declined requests for an official weigh-in ahead of the fixture. Although a weigh-in was not part of the original agreement between the two parties, local officials had sought the measure to ensure transparency and maintain the integrity of the category.
The refusal to undergo a weigh-in has raised questions over compliance and fairness, with concerns that the classification of the visiting team may not reflect the actual weight of several players.
Despite the controversy, the Sri Lanka team is set to honour the fixture and take the field, focusing on the contest while the issue continues to draw attention off the pitch.
The two-match series is seen as an important opportunity for Sri Lanka to test themselves against a physically strong New Zealand outfit, with the second Test scheduled to be played on May 3 at 4pm at the Nittawela Stadium in Kandy.
The opening encounter in Colombo is now expected to be played under close scrutiny, with the spotlight firmly on both performance and adherence to the spirit of the Under-85kg format.
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