The Asia Pacific Lions (APL), powered by DASA Group, was officially launched at the Crowne Plaza Darling Harbour Hotel in Sydney, Australia, recently. The initiative aims to bring together players from top Asian nations and Pacific Island countries to promote elite rugby in South Asia.
The high-profile launch saw Wallabies Legend, 1991 World Cup Winner and World Rugby Hall of Famer David Campese announced as APL Director of Rugby, while former Japan international Jamie Henry was revealed as the team’s inaugural captain.
Set to play a historic fixture against a UK Premiership Rugby club in Sri Lanka in 2026, APL is positioning itself as a bridge between rugby’s traditional powerhouses and its next great frontier.
APL is also working on potentially signing two global rugby icons, former Wallaby Legend and a former All Blacks World Cup winner to further strengthen the squad and elevate the profile of the team on the global stage.
Meanwhile, the rest of the squad is a mix of top tier Asia Rugby Affiliated countries and Pacific Islanders.
DASA Group champions the concept
“As Chairperson of DASA Group, I am proud to support the creation of the Asia Pacific Lions, an initiative that promises to redefine the landscape of rugby in Sri Lanka and beyond. By working with other teams across Asia, we are creating an exciting collaboration for rugby. I am confident that this alliance will not only strengthen Sri Lanka’s rugby but put us on the global rugby map. Together, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for rugby, where talent and teamwork drive the sport forward for generations to come.” stated Jazal Marzook.
Campese on the APL vision
“This is a brilliant initiative,” said David Campese. “I visited Sri Lanka last year and learned that rugby is the second-most popular sport after cricket. Credit to Saabir and DASA Group for developing something so unique that not only enhances the game but also delivers real entertainment value.”
Henry embraces leadership role
“It’s an absolute pleasure to lead this groundbreaking concept,” said Jamie Henry.
“I’m confident that this initiative will transform the rugby landscape across Asia and beyond.”
The Voice of Sri Lanka Cricket Russell Arnold said that – “This has a bigger picture when it comes to Sri Lanka because the economy is also driven by tourism, so they will go away with lots of memories, experience and fulfillment. There are lots of disadvantaged communities where you see that you want to get involved and want to give the wonderful feeling. Covering all bases, I think it’s a fabulous venture which will definitely go from strength to strength.”
A vision beyond the field
Saabir Cader, Founding Director of APL, highlighted the broader goals of the project:
“This launch is a dream come true. I wish to thank His Excellency Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, and His Excellency Paul Stephens, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, for their support and blessings. Also, Qais Al – Dhalai, President of Asia Rugby, which is the regional governing body, for his unwavering support. My heartfelt thanks to Marzook for backing this selflessly without a main sponsor an event of this magnitude is never possible.
“Our vision is courageous – to create a ‘Barmy Army’-style rugby movement that boosts tourism and global visibility for Sri Lanka. The British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia injected AU$ 420 million into the Australian economy. If Sri Lanka can benefit from even a mere 1% of that through our pilot project, we’ll be on the right path.”
With elite players, global partnerships, and a strong commitment to grassroots development, the Asia Pacific Lions is set to be a major catalyst for rugby growth across the region.