India, New Zealand celebrate 100 years of sporting friendship with Under-20 rugby series in Rajgir

Players from India and New Zealand pose during the event. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The Under-20 rugby series between India and New Zealand, a part of the 100 years of unity through sport initiative between the two nations, concluded in Rajgir, Bihar on Tuesday.

The visiting New Zealand delegation comprised the U-20 men’s team, Tama Toa, and the U20 women’s team, Hine Toa, featuring 24 young Māori players.

The series provided a platform for young athletes to connect through rugby and share their learnings. The programme featured joint training sessions, cultural interactions and four Sevens matches, including the first mixed-team matches.

The event also builds on the growing collaboration between Rugby India and New Zealand Rugby. In May 2026, Rugby India had hosted New Zealand Rugby coaching educators at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar for a coaching development programme involving 35 Indian coaches. The programme focused on strengthening coaching capabilities and supporting the continued development of rugby in India.

Bihar CM Samrat Chaudhary (R) and Rahul Bose greet New Zealand players. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

“The India–New Zealand U20 rugby series exemplifies how sport can transcend borders, foster mutual understanding and bring nations together through a shared spirit of unity and friendship. As India and New Zealand celebrate 100 years of sporting ties, exchanges such as this demonstrate how sporting partnerships can strengthen bilateral relations, encourage cultural dialogue and create lasting connections between young people across nations,” said Raksha Khadse, minister of state for Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.

Samrat Chaudhary, chief minister of Bihar, Shreyasi Singh, minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Bihar, Matt Ayers, acting high commissioner of New Zealand in India, and Rahul Bose, president of Rugby India were also present for the event.

Published on Oct 27, 2026

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