In a landmark moment for rugby in Asia, the Asia Pacific Lions Rugby (APL) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Northampton Saints at Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, confirming a major international match to be staged in Sri Lanka in August 2026.
The agreement marks one of the most significant rugby partnerships ever established in the region and will bring elite European club rugby to South Asia on an unprecedented scale. The occasion represents a major step forward in the growth and globalization of the sport across Asia, while positioning Sri Lanka as an emerging destination for international rugby.
A Defining Moment for Asian Rugby
The fixture will see the Asia Pacific Lions, an elite invitational team representing the best of Asia and the Pacific, take on English club side Northampton Saints, Gallagher PREM champions in 2024 and Investec Champions Cup finalists in 2025, in what is expected to be a landmark occasion for the sport in Sri Lanka and beyond.
Saabir Cader, Founder & Director, APL
Saabir Cader, Founder and Director of the Asia Pacific Lions, said: “This is a historic day for rugby in our region. Signing this agreement in Franklin’s Gardens is a powerful statement of intent. Partnering with a club of Saints’ heritage, success and professionalism uphold our vision.
“I thank Julia and the team for accepting this offer and I warmly invite the loyal Saints supporters, the ‘Shoe Army,’ to visit our beautiful island in August.”
David Campese, Director of Rugby, APL
David Campese, Director of Rugby for Asia Pacific Lions, added: “It’s an opportunity that reflects the diversity, talent, and ambition of Asia and the Pacific. Facing Northampton Saints gives us the perfect platform to display that on a global stage.
“I was there in Sri Lanka two years ago and met players whom I played against in Hong Kong 7s and Commonwealth Games 7s, so much passion for rugby, so the players need more opportunities like this, and fans deserve bigger events to witness in their country.”
Global Collaboration
The partnership highlights growing collaboration between established rugby nations and emerging markets, creating new pathways for development, exposure, and investment.
Julia Chapman, CEO, Northampton Saints
“We are proud to formalise this agreement and take Northampton Saints on an exciting new adventure internationally.
“From a rugby perspective, this fixture provides a unique opportunity to enhance our pre-season preparations in a challenging and inspiring environment.
“Sri Lanka is a rugby-loving nation and New Zealand’s recent tour drew passionate crowds and strong community engagement. So, beyond the pitch, travelling to Colombo allows us to grow Saints’ brand in a new market, build meaningful international relationships, and explore potential long-term commercial opportunities.
“It reflects our openness to think differently, embrace new opportunities, and to contribute positively to the wider game.”
Phil Dowson, Director of Rugby, Northampton Saints
“This is a hugely exciting opportunity for Saints. We’re delighted to be taking on this challenge and heading somewhere so different. We haven’t travelled as a group during preseason for a while, so the chance to do that again is something the players and staff are really looking forward to.
“Immersing ourselves in a new culture and taking rugby to an emerging but passionate rugby nation like Sri Lanka creates powerful shared experiences for our group – while also contributing to the continued global development of the game.
“Touring internationally asks more of us as a squad; in how we prepare, how we train, how we cope with different conditions, and how we represent the Club. Those moments away from home are where real connections are built, and where all players and staff develop strong relationships on and off the field.
“Coming up against the Asia Pacific Lions in that environment will stretch us competitively and give the squad invaluable exposure that will benefit us long beyond this tour.”
Pavithra Fernando, President Sri Lanka Rugby extended his views “This is a significant moment for Sri Lanka and Asia Rugby. Successfully hosting the New Zealand U85kg tour for the second consecutive year has been an invaluable experience, offering meaningful exposure and learning opportunities for our players and officials.
“We are thrilled to welcome Northampton Saints and the Asia Pacific Lions an exciting development that we believe will further elevate and transform the game across the region.”
Commercial Impact
Jazal Marzook, Chairman DASA GROUP UK
The tour is Powered by DASA GROUP UK, an award-winning payroll solutions provider which also delivers a range of services across multiple industries from our head office in Edgware, London.
“We are proud to support this groundbreaking tour. Rugby is built on community, togetherness, and collective strategy, values that strongly reflect how we operate as a business. This partnership brings people, cultures, and teams together with a shared purpose, and we’re thrilled to play our part in something that creates lasting impact both on and off the field.” Jazal Marzook, Chairman of DASA GROUP UK.
Official Travel Partner
The Asia Pacific Lions are proud to announce Aitken Spence as the Official Travel Partner for the 2026 fixture.
Supporters traveling to Sri Lanka will be able to access specially curated travel packages, offering premium experiences that combine world-class rugby with Sri Lanka’s renowned hospitality, culture, and tourism offerings.
Event Details
- Match: Asia Pacific Lions vs Northampton Saints
- Date: 28th August 2026
- Venue: Racecourse International Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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