Thrilling Finale: Future Hope Harlequins Clinch Women's Rugby Championship

In a gripping final at the National Rugby 15s Championship 2026, Future Hope Harlequins triumphed over Odisha Rugby Club to secure the Women's Championship title. The match was filled with lead changes and intense moments, culminating in a dramatic victory for the Harlequins. The event also featured a third-place playoff, with Calcutta Cricket and Football Club edging out Delhi Hurricanes Women. The championship continues to be a significant platform for rugby in India, showcasing emerging talent and fostering the sport's growth.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 13, 2026, 10:14 IST

Exciting Championship Showdown

Bhubaneswar: The Future Hope Harlequins emerged victorious in the Women’s Championship at the National Rugby 15s Championship 2026 - Division 1, defeating the defending champions, Odisha Rugby Club, in a nail-biting final held at Kalinga Stadium on Thursday. The match was a rollercoaster, with both teams exchanging leads and keeping spectators on the edge of their seats until the final moments. Odisha RC initially took the lead with a try from Arati Murmu, followed by another from Soni Mandangi, establishing an early advantage.

The Harlequins fought back with a try from Sadika Khatoon, and Lachmi Oraon successfully converted, narrowing the gap. Anisha Oraon then scored, shifting the momentum towards the Harlequins. With less than ten minutes left, Odisha RC regained the lead, seemingly on track to defend their title.

However, in a dramatic turn of events, the Future Hope Harlequins scored again with just over four minutes remaining, clinching the championship in a thrilling finish. Earlier, Calcutta Cricket and Football Club (CC&FC) secured third place by narrowly defeating Delhi Hurricanes Women 10-7 in a competitive playoff.

The trophy presentation featured notable guests, including Yeddula Vijay, Director of Sports, and various officials from the Department of Sports & Youth Services and the Odisha Rugby Football Association. Attention now turns to the men's finals scheduled for Friday, which will feature four crucial matches at Kalinga Stadium. The day kicks off with the seventh-place playoff between Rebels Rugby Club and Sergeant Institute Rugby Club at 8:00 AM, followed by the plate final between Bangalore RC and CC&FC at 9:30 AM. In the afternoon, Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences Rugby Club will face Future Hope Harlequins in the third-place playoff at 4:00 PM, culminating in the cup final between defending champions Delhi Hurricanes and Bombay Gymkhana Rugby Club at 6:00 PM.

The National Rugby 15s Championship, organized by the Indian Rugby Football Union with support from the Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha, and the Odisha Rugby Football Association, continues to be a vital platform for club rugby in India, paving the way for players aspiring to join the national team.