India and New Zealand U20 Rugby Series Kicks Off in Rajgir

Historic U20 Rugby Series in Rajgir

Rajgir is poised to host a landmark U20 Rugby Series featuring teams from India and New Zealand. This event is part of the '100 Years of Unity through Sport' initiative, commemorating a century of sporting relations between the two nations. The matches are scheduled from October 23 to October 28 at the Rajgir Sports Complex.

Arrival and Cultural Exchange

Both the Indian U20 teams and their New Zealand counterparts have arrived in Rajgir in preparation for the series. Upon their arrival at Patna Airport, the New Zealand teams were greeted with a traditional welcome. During their stay, the teams will engage in joint training sessions and cultural exchanges leading up to the matches on October 27.

Tournament Details and Significance

The New Zealand squads, Tama Toa (men’s team) and Hine Toa (women’s team), consist of 24 young Maori players selected from various regions of New Zealand. This marks the inaugural visit of New Zealand’s U20 rugby teams to India for such a series, making Rajgir a significant venue in the sporting relationship between the two countries.

Rajgir's Growing Rugby Scene

Rajgir has become 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 India-New Zealand U20 Rugby Series further enhances the city’s reputation and brings another international rugby event to Bihar.

Match Schedule and Official Statements

The series will conclude on October 27 with four Rugby Sevens matches at the Rajgir Sports Complex. The schedule includes a men’s match between India and New Zealand, followed by a women’s match and two mixed matches, allowing players from both nations to team up.

Raveendran Sankaran, Director General-cum-CEO of the Bihar State Sports Authority, expressed pride in hosting the series, stating it reflects Bihar's growing role in major sporting events. He emphasized the importance of strengthening international ties and inspiring local youth to engage in rugby.

Rahul Bose, President of the Indian Rugby Football Union, highlighted the historical significance of the event, noting that it provides young players with invaluable exposure to international rugby standards. He praised the mixed matches as a testament to the unifying power of sport.

Manu Albert, Head of the New Zealand Rugby delegation, shared excitement about celebrating a century of sports collaboration and contributing to the growth of rugby in India. He emphasized the importance of cultural exchange alongside competitive play.

Squad Lists

The Indian U20 squads for the India-New Zealand U20 Rugby Series are as follows:

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.