U85kg Rugby Levels Up: Documentary launch and rep team plans revealed

New Zealand’s U85kg rugby community is celebrating the release of a short documentary capturing the spirit, camaraderie, and competition of the recent U85kg tour of Sri Lanka, and looking ahead to future international opportunities.

The documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the team’s journey through Sri Lanka in May this year, showcasing the unique traits of this grade - agility, skill, sportsmanship and deep club loyalty.

Mike Hester, New Zealand Rugby's Head of Rugby Participation says the documentary is a celebration of what makes this grade special.

“The Sri Lanka tour was more than just rugby. It was a cultural exchange, a chance to support the growth of the game globally, and a reminder of the incredible talent we have in the U85kg space. This documentary captures that beautifully.”

Building on the success of the tour, New Zealand Rugby in partnership with the NZ Barbarian RFC, plan to select a standby representative squad in case further international opportunities emerge in 2026.

“We’re excited to use the Cup, alongside existing Provincial Union U85kg competitions, as a way to scout and recognise players who could represent New Zealand in future U85kg fixtures. The ‘paper team’ concept keeps us ready and keeps the dream alive for our players.” says Hester.

The creation of a national representative team is a major milestone for weight-restricted rugby in Aotearoa. It provides a representative pathway for community players and adds an extra element of excitement to the U85kg National Club Cup.

The U85kg National Club Cup is currently underway with the final being held as the curtain raiser to the Bledisloe Cup on 27 September. The draw is live on the RugbyXplorer app and a road to the final, tracking how teams are progressing, is available here.

The documentary is now available to watch on NZR+ or stream on YouTube here.