More Than a Game: The Heart of Rugby in Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka Web
Earlier this year the New Zealand Under 85kg rugby team completed one of the most unique and uplifting rugby tours in recent memory — and now fans can go behind the scenes in a new documentary shot and edited by Johnny Hendrikus.

Available now on YouTube and NZR+, the film captures the spirit, humour and heart of a historic two-match tour to rugby-mad Sri Lanka. From police escorts and sold-out stadiums to media scrums and selfie mobs, the New Zealand Under 85s were given the full superstar treatment in a country where the passion for rugby runs deep.

The documentary doesn’t just showcase the games — it dives into the culture, the chaos, and the camaraderie that made this such an unforgettable trip for players and fans alike.

One viewer summed it up in the YouTube comments:

“The love and support for rugby in Sri Lanka is unreal. This was more than a tour — it was an experience of a lifetime. Well done to everyone involved.”

Another fan wrote:

“This is what rugby is all about — connection, passion, and opportunity. Huge respect to Sri Lanka for the hospitality, and to NZ for embracing it.”

Don’t miss this feel-good story of rugby making a global impact.

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