All Black Under 85 Kg Wife Spills Truth Behind Weight Claims
A rugby controversy has erupted in the aftermath of the recently concluded Under-85kg New Zealand All Blacks tour of Sri Lanka, after the wife of a reserve player allegedly revealed that the Kiwi squad may not have been playing within the official weight limits of the competition.
The revelation, which surfaced in a WhatsApp rugby news and update group, suggests that the touring New Zealand squad featured players significantly heavier than the under-85kg restriction. The claim is said to have reached a very reliable source who also happens to be a recently appointed member of the National Olympic Committee’s Executive Committee and who also holds a senior position in one of Sri Lanka’s top ‘A’ Division rugby clubs.
In a message shared within the group, the informant stated:
“Interesting fact. I was speaking with one of the wives of the NZ players today and she said due to playing higher weight Sri Lankans they were allowed to put on weight for the tour. Her husband the reserve hooker was 94kg atm. So most of them would have been close to 90…”
The implication is that the New Zealand squad knowingly exceeded the agreed-upon weight classification, a move that could potentially violate the spirit if not the technicality of the competition rules. The wife’s comment has raised concerns about transparency and fair play, particularly as New Zealand convincingly won both matches of the two-leg series.
The visitors dominated Sri Lanka in the first match in Kandy on May 4, finishing with a decisive 50–10 victory. They followed that performance with a 32–6 win in Colombo, racking up a staggering aggregate score of 82–16 to take home the prestigious Sir Graham Henry Trophy at the Race Course Grounds.
While officials have yet to issue a formal statement, the WhatsApp leak has triggered growing chatter among the local rugby community. Some are calling for an inquiry into the eligibility of the Kiwi players, particularly since Under-85kg rugby is designed to create a level playing field based on physical parity rather than brute strength.
Questions are now being raised:
- Was there an official agreement allowing players to exceed the weight limit?
- Were the match organizers aware of this alleged deviation?
- Why did match organizers mislead the Sri Lankan rugby fans and followers to believe others?
- Could this cast a shadow over the integrity of the tour and the trophy result?
As of now, neither the New Zealand touring management nor Sri Lanka Rugby has responded publicly to the developing situation. But if the WhatsApp revelations are true, this could mark one of the most unexpected post-match controversies in recent Sri Lankan rugby history with the most unlikely whistleblower being the wife of a reserve hooker.
More details are expected to unfold in the coming days.
This seems like casting around for excuses for two comprehensive defeats. Physical and fitness limitations will always constrain nations such as SL in sports such as rugby. It’s life.
Something like the “Webb Ellis Cup” is a prestigious trophy in rugby context. Graham Henry Trophy … prestigious? Seriously?