India to play Rugby giant New Zealand — U-20 teams of IND and NZ to play in Sevens Series in Rajgir

Rugby is New Zealand’s national sport and the country has dominated Rugby World Cups across men’s and women’s divisions, winning 12 titles between them.

Updated : Oct 20, 2026 18:01 IST , Chennai - 3 MINS READ

Representative Image: The tournament is part of the 100 years of sports cooperation between India and New Zealand, and will feature four matches. | Photo Credit: Rugby India/Getty Images

India’s under-20 rugby teams of men and women will play heavyweights New Zealand in a commemorative Rugby Series in Rajgir, Bihar, between October 22 and 28.

New Zealand, where Rugby is its national sport, has dominated the Rugby World Cup across men’s and women’s divisions. The All Blacks, the men’s team, have won the title thrice, becoming the second most successful team in the tournament, while the women’s side has won six of the 12 World Cups that have happened till date.

“For our young players, the opportunity to compete against New Zealand opposition on home soil will provide valuable exposure to the best practices in international rugby and provide impetus to their development,” Rahul Bose, the president of the Indian Rugby Football Union, was quoted in a release.

“Training together, playing matches against each other and then playing as mixed Ind-NZ teams. What better testament to the power of sport in making nations stand shoulder to shoulder,” Bose added.

The tournament is part of the 100 years of sports cooperation between India and New Zealand, and will feature a men’s match between India and New Zealand, followed by the women’s fixture and two mixed games.

In Rugby sevens, India has been on the rise, especially in the women’s section. It finished sixth at the Asian Games, its best-ever finish in the tournament, and also fifth at the Asian Rugby Sevens Series second leg.

All the matches will be played at the Rajgir Sports Complex, and the tournament follows India’s latest trend of facing global heavyweights in particular sports.

ALSO READ: India Women records best-ever finish in Asian Rugby Sevens Series second leg

Earlier this month, the India men’s football team hosted five-time world champion Brazil – a clash that saw the Blue Tigers put on an impressive show despite losing the match 0-4. The football team will also travel to New Zealand next month for two friendlies in Auckland and Christchurch.

“To see these young Māori athletes become the first New Zealand rugby team to tour India is incredibly special. They’ll arrive as opponents, but also come together as teammates. It is a powerful expression of unity through sport and a legacy we hope will endure well beyond 2026.”

Manu Albert, manager of New Zealand Rugby Injury Prevention Wellbeing Programme, will lead the visiting delegation.

“We’re looking forward to celebrating 100 years of sport uniting our two countries, helping Rugby India grow Sevens, and sharing our rugby knowledge, but equally to share our cultures and develop a lasting relationship through sport,” Manu said.

“No doubt there will be a competitive edge when the respective teams meet on the field, and we’re looking forward to playing a part in developing India’s young rugby players and coaches,” she added.