India U20 women stun New Zealand 17-0 in major rugby sevens upset

File Image: Players from the Indian and New Zealand U20 women’s rugby teams celebrate together after the match. | Photo Credit: Rugby India/X

India’s under-20 women’s rugby sevens team defeated New Zealand’s (Maori) U20 invitational side 17-0 in the India-New Zealand Rugby Series at the Rajgir Sports Complex in Bihar on Tuesday.

The Indian women made a strong start, taking a 12-0 lead at half-time before adding another try after the break to complete a convincing victory.

Meanwhile, the Indian men’s U20 team suffered a 32-0 defeat against the visiting New Zealand Maori side.

The bilateral series was organised to commemorate 100 years of sporting ties between India and New Zealand. It also featured two mixed-team exhibition matches, with players from both countries competing alongside one another.

The New Zealand U20 teams perform the Haka, sharing a proud expression of Māori culture and leaving behind a lasting memory of friendship and unity with India. 🇳🇿🤝🇮🇳🏉 #Rugbylndia #NZRugby #IndNZ100 https://t.co/rRd4xT4KVC

— Rugby India (@RugbyIndia) October 29, 2026

Rugby India president Rahul Bose said the initiative was aimed at strengthening sporting relations between the two countries and providing young players with international exposure.

Bose also highlighted the significance of the mixed-team matches, saying they reflected rugby’s values of respect, teamwork and friendship.

The programme sought to build closer ties between Rugby India and New Zealand Rugby while creating opportunities for young players.