Sysco LABS Joins Kandy Tuskers as Strategic Partner for Inaugural Next XV Rugby League

Sysco LABS has come onboard as the Strategic Partner of the “Kandy Tuskers” for the inaugural Next XV Rugby League, supporting a new platform focused on identifying, developing and showcasing the next generation of Sri Lankan rugby talent.

Launched by Sri Lanka Rugby, the Next XV brings together 140 of the country’s leading Under-19 rugby players across four franchises – the Kandy Tuskers, Colombo Aces, Galle Lions and Jaffna Bulls. The league has been created as a structured pathway between school rugby and the national set-up, giving emerging players a platform to demonstrate their ability and compete for opportunities to progress within Sri Lanka Rugby’s high-performance pathway.

The partnership between Sysco LABS and the Kandy Tuskers is rooted in a shared belief in the potential of emerging talent and the importance of creating the right pathways for that talent to succeed.

As the benchmarked Global Innovation Center of Sysco Corporation, Sysco LABS operates in an environment where high-performing teams, continuous development and innovation are fundamental to success. The organization has consistently invested in developing technology talent in Sri Lanka, creating opportunities for young people to gain industry exposure, build their capabilities and progress into careers in technology.

The same principles are central to the Next XV. The league is designed to give talented young rugby players a pathway beyond school, with progression determined by performance, discipline, commitment, fitness, and contribution to the team. For Sysco LABS, the opportunity to support the Kandy Tuskers therefore represents more than an association with sport; it is an opportunity to support a platform built around identifying potential, creating opportunity and enabling the next generation to compete at their best.

Commenting on the partnership, Gian De Rose, Director – Brand & Communications, Sysco LABS, said: "There is a very natural alignment between what Next XV is setting out to achieve and what we believe in at Sysco LABS. Talent can exist anywhere, but for talent to become exceptional, people need opportunity, the right environment and a clear pathway to progress. We were particularly drawn to the Kandy Tuskers because they share our vision of supporting young people with the potential and ambition to compete among the best. Rugby as a sport also embodies many of the qualities we value in our own high-performing teams – collaboration, resilience, discipline, strategy and the understanding that individual talent is strongest when it contributes to a collective goal. We are excited to be part of the Tuskers' journey from the beginning and to support what Next XV is building for the future of Sri Lankan rugby."

The Next XV also represents a broader investment in the future of the sport. The initiative seeks to address the loss of talented players following their school careers by establishing a structured bridge into high-performance rugby. The strongest performers will have the opportunity to progress into Sri Lanka's Under-19 High-Performance Program as the country develops its longer-term rugby pathway.

Through its partnership with the Kandy Tuskers, Sysco LABS will look to build an association that extends beyond the field, connecting the worlds of sport, technology and talent development while celebrating the mindset required to perform at the highest level.

“Speaking on the partnership, Co-owner of the Kandy Tuskers – Tharanga Gunasekera said, “The Kandy Tuskers are delighted to be part of the inaugural Next XV Rugby League, taking rugby into an exciting new franchise era. Led by a group of seasoned ex-rugby players from Kandy, the Tuskers aim to build a culture rooted in values, performance and pride, while staying true to Kandy’s strong rugby heritage. With a professional coaching unit led by award-winning coach Fazil Marija, our ambition is to provide players with the platform to maximize their potential and ultimately progress to represent Sri Lanka. We are proud to welcome Sysco LABS as our Strategic Partner for the next three years. A world-renowned technology company operating in Sri Lanka, Sysco Labs shares our commitment to people, performance and strong values.”

The inaugural Next XV season kicks off on 19 September 2026, bringing together some of Sri Lanka’s most promising young rugby talent as they compete for the first Next XV championship.