Rugby History in Bihar: Rajgir to Host India-New Zealand U20 Series
Bihar's Rajgir hosts a historic India-New Zealand U20 Rugby series celebrating 100 years of sporting ties with Maori players visiting India.
In a landmark moment for Indian sports, Rajgir is preparing to host the India-New Zealand U20 Rugby Series. This historic event is not just a competition but a celebration of the "100 Years of Unity through Sport" initiative, marking a century of sporting bonds between India and New Zealand.
Scheduled from October 23 to October 28, the series will unfold at the Rajgir Sports Complex. The arrival of the visiting New Zealand squads has already sparked excitement in Bihar, with the teams receiving a traditional welcome at Patna Airport before heading to Rajgir to join the Indian U20 squads.
A First-of-its-Kind Visit
This series marks a significant milestone as it is the first time New Zealand’s U20 rugby teams have traveled to India for an event of this nature. The visiting delegation includes two specialized squads: Tama Toa (the men’s team) and Hine Toa (the women’s team). These squads consist of 24 talented young Maori players selected from across New Zealand, bringing a unique cultural and athletic heritage to the heart of Bihar.
Beyond the competitive matches, the visit is designed to foster deep connections. The athletes will engage in joint training sessions and cultural exchange programs, ensuring that the bond created extends beyond the rugby pitch.
The Action at Rajgir Sports Complex
The series will reach its peak on October 27 with four thrilling Rugby Sevens matches. The schedule is designed to move from competition to collaboration:
- Men's Match: India vs. New Zealand
- Women's Match: India vs. New Zealand
- Mixed Matches: Two matches where players from both nations will team up, playing as mixed India-New Zealand squads.
Rajgir: India's Rising Rugby Hub
The choice of Rajgir as the venue underscores the city's rapid emergence as a center for rugby in India. The Rajgir Sports Complex has already established its credentials by hosting major events, including the Asia Rugby Emirates U-20 Championship in August 2025 and the Senior National Rugby Championships in April 2026.
"Rajgir hosting the India-New Zealand U20 Rugby Series is a proud moment for Bihar and reflects the state’s growing role in hosting major sporting events," said Raveendran Sankaran, Director General-cum-CEO of the Bihar State Sports Authority. He noted that the event would inspire local youth in Bihar to take up the sport.
Voices of Leadership
Rahul Bose, President of the Indian Rugby Football Union, emphasized the historical weight of the visit. He noted that while sporting ties were established a century ago, this first-ever visit by a New Zealand rugby team to Indian shores creates a new chapter. Bose highlighted that the mixed-team matches are a "testament to the power of sport in making nations stand shoulder to shoulder."
From the New Zealand side, Manu Albert, Head of the delegation and Injury Prevention Wellbeing Programme Manager, expressed eagerness to share rugby knowledge and help Rugby India grow the Sevens format. He emphasized that while there will be a competitive edge on the field, the primary goal is developing lasting relationships and supporting the growth of Indian players and coaches.
A Growing Partnership
This series is part of a broader, strengthening relationship between the two nations' rugby communities. Previously, in May 2026, Rugby India hosted New Zealand coaches at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, for workshops that benefited 35 Indian coaches. The event in Rajgir continues this trajectory of collaboration, blending high-level competition with mutual cultural growth.