Historic India-New Zealand U20 Rugby Series Kicks Off in Rajgir

Rajgir, Bihar, is set to host the historic India-New Zealand U20 Rugby Series from October 23 to 28, marking a century of sporting ties between the two nations. With both teams arriving for joint training and cultural exchanges, this event promises to strengthen international relations and inspire local youth. The series will culminate in four exciting Rugby Sevens matches, showcasing young talent from both countries. This milestone event highlights Rajgir's growing significance in the rugby world and aims to foster a lasting relationship through sport.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 23, 2026, 00:24 IST

Rajgir Hosts a Milestone Rugby Series

Rajgir, Bihar, is gearing up to host a landmark U20 Rugby Series between India and New Zealand, celebrating a century of sporting connections between the two nations. This event, part of the '100 Years of Unity through Sport' initiative, is scheduled from October 23 to October 28 at the Rajgir Sports Complex.

Both Indian U20 teams and their New Zealand counterparts have arrived in Rajgir, with the New Zealand squads receiving a warm traditional welcome at Patna Airport. The teams will engage in joint training sessions and cultural exchanges leading up to the matches on October 27.

The New Zealand teams, Tama Toa (men's) and Hine Toa (women's), consist of 24 young Maori players selected from across the country. This visit marks a historic first for New Zealand's U20 rugby teams as they travel to India for such a series, making Rajgir a significant venue in the sporting relationship between the two nations.

Rajgir has established itself as a key location for rugby in India, having previously hosted the Senior National Rugby Championships in April 2026 and the Asia Rugby Emirates U-20 Championship in August 2025. The upcoming India-New Zealand U20 Rugby Series further enhances the city's reputation and brings another international rugby event to Bihar.

The series will conclude on October 27 with four Rugby Sevens matches at the Rajgir Sports Complex, featuring a men's match between India and New Zealand, followed by a women's match and two mixed matches that will see players from both countries teaming up.

Raveendran Sankaran, Director General-cum-CEO of the Bihar State Sports Authority, expressed pride in Bihar's role in hosting significant sporting events. He emphasized the importance of welcoming young athletes from both nations to strengthen international ties, promote cultural exchange, and inspire local youth to embrace rugby.

Rahul Bose, President of the Indian Rugby Football Union, highlighted the historical significance of this event, noting that it marks a new chapter in the long-standing sporting relationship between India and New Zealand. He emphasized the invaluable experience this competition will provide for young players, enhancing their development through exposure to international rugby standards.

Manu Albert, Head of the New Zealand Rugby delegation, shared excitement about celebrating a century of sports uniting the two countries. He expressed eagerness to contribute to the growth of rugby in India and foster a lasting relationship through cultural exchange.

This series builds on the growing rugby collaboration between India and New Zealand, following a coaching workshop held in May 2026 at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, where New Zealand Rugby coaches trained 35 Indian coaches. The Rajgir series continues this partnership by bringing young players together through competition and cultural interactions.

The Indian U20 squads for the series include: Men: Ajit Nag, Aman, Arun Prajapati, Bajrangi Kumar, Bharat Kisan, Bidyadhar Majhi, Charan Hembram, Naman Yadav, Pranav Gavit, Pushpender, Rahul Majhi, Rajan Rawat, Rohit Kumar, Sagar Prakash, Shivam, Subash Hansdah. Women: Akshaya NS, Alpana Kumari, Anita Murmu, Anushka Sankpal, Arti Kumari, Beauty Kumari, Dipali Tathe, Khushi Devi, Kirti Jadhav, Aditi Londhe, Mamali Singh, Raimani Murmu, Saloni Kumari, Samruddhi Kadam, Sumitra Murmu, Tanushree Bhosale.