India and New Zealand Unite for Rugby Coaching Program at Kalinga Stadium
International Rugby Coaching Initiative Launched
Bhubaneswar (Odisha) - In a pivotal move to enhance international sports collaboration, the Indian Rugby Football Union (Rugby India) has teamed up with New Zealand Rugby to host a two-day high-performance coaching program from May 21 to May 22 at Kalinga Stadium.
This initiative is part of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Indian and New Zealand governments aimed at advancing sports development. The year 2026 will mark a century of sporting collaboration between the two nations, adding significance to this program.
The coaching program will feature selected coaches from various regions of India, categorized into Foundation, Development, and High-Performance levels, ensuring tailored learning experiences. Participants will engage in classroom instruction, practical demonstrations on the field, and interactive workshops led by New Zealand Rugby experts.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to host a world-class rugby coaching program in partnership with New Zealand. This initiative exemplifies our mutual commitment to enhancing skills and sharing knowledge in sports. As we approach 100 years of cooperation in sports between India and New Zealand, such partnerships are increasingly vital. We appreciate the support from the New Zealand government and commend the efforts of both rugby federations in making this collaboration possible.”
Mark Mitchell, New Zealand’s Minister for Sport and Recreation, echoed these sentiments, saying, “Programs like this highlight the significance of our sports cooperation agreement. Celebrating 100 Years of Unity through Sport this year, sharing expertise is crucial for building sporting capabilities in both countries and strengthening our broader partnership.”
Rahul Bose, President of the Indian Rugby Football Union, emphasized the program's importance for rugby's growth in India, stating, “This coaching initiative with New Zealand Rugby is a groundbreaking step for Indian Rugby. It offers our domestic coaches a rare chance to learn directly from one of the world’s leading rugby systems, allowing them to apply new insights within our local frameworks. This partnership not only enhances our technical skills but also fortifies the enduring relationship between our nations. We are grateful to the sports ministries of both countries for their support in facilitating this significant collaboration.”
Steve Lancaster, CEO of New Zealand Rugby, expressed pride in participating in the 100 Years of Unity through Sport program, stating, “New Zealand Rugby is excited to engage with Rugby India through this coaching exchange. It presents an opportunity to strengthen our relationship and expand rugby’s global presence. Our team looks forward to sharing their expertise and collaborating with India’s coaches and young players to enhance Rugby India’s development pathways.”
This coaching program underscores the shared vision of India and New Zealand to bolster sporting ties through knowledge sharing, coach education, and long-term rugby development strategies. It is anticipated to be a significant milestone in enhancing rugby cooperation between the two nations and fostering the sport's growth in India.