Defending champions Delhi Hurricanes and historic Mumbai club Bombay Gymkhana Rugby Club secured their places in the men’s final of the National Rugby 15s Championship 2026 Division 1 after winning their respective semi-finals at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on Wednesday.
The two teams progressed through contrasting routes to the final. Delhi Hurricanes produced a commanding performance to dismantle Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), while Bombay Gymkhana had to grind out a hard-fought victory against Future Hope Harlequins.
The stage is now set for a highly anticipated men’s final on March 13, where the Hurricanes will aim to defend their title against one of India’s most historic rugby institutions.
Hurricanes Deliver Dominant Semi-Final Display
Delhi Hurricanes demonstrated why they are the defending champions with an emphatic 83–0 victory over KISS in the first semi-final. From the opening whistle, the Hurricanes controlled the pace of the game, combining aggressive forward play with quick attacking moves that repeatedly stretched the opposition defence.
Several players contributed to the scoring as the Hurricanes showcased their depth in attack. Mannu Tanwar opened the scoring, setting the tone for what turned into a relentless offensive display. Abhishek Shukla and Hitesh Dagar each scored two tries, while Bharat, Sourabh Dubal, Bhupendra Bokan, Monu, and Vansh Kumar also crossed the try line to extend the lead.
The Hurricanes were equally efficient with their conversions, as Deepak Kumar Punia and Aniket added crucial points with the boot.
The result reflected the team’s attacking discipline and finishing ability as they overwhelmed KISS with a combination of speed, structure, and precision. The comprehensive victory not only secured their place in the final but also reaffirmed Delhi Hurricanes’ status as one of the strongest rugby clubs in the country.
Bombay Gymkhana Edge Tight Contest
The second semi-final presented a far more competitive contest as Bombay Gymkhana faced Future Hope Harlequins in a closely fought encounter. Unlike the first semi-final, this match was defined by defensive organisation and tactical discipline from both sides.
Bombay Gymkhana eventually emerged victorious with a 13–3 win, securing their place in the final through a combination of clinical execution and strong defensive play. The decisive moment came when Aniket Santosh Kevane scored a crucial try for the Mumbai side, giving them a valuable advantage in a tightly contested match.
Rayomand Dadabhoy Unwala then contributed additional points through successful kicks to ensure Bombay Gymkhana maintained control of the scoreboard. Future Hope Harlequins managed to register points through a penalty conversion by Akash Balmiki, but they were unable to break through Bombay Gymkhana’s organised defence to close the gap further.
The victory marked a significant achievement for the Mumbai club as they advanced to the championship match.
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Earlier in the day, the Plate Semi-Finals also produced decisive results as teams battled for places in the secondary final. Bangalore Rugby Club produced a convincing 26–0 win over Rebels Rugby Club, delivering a dominant performance that showcased their attacking strength.
Arvinjit Oinam led the scoring efforts for Bangalore RC, while Ghana Shyam Chetry and Akhil A also scored tries in a comprehensive victory. In the second Plate Semi-Final, Calcutta Cricket and Football Club (CC&FC) defeated Sergeant Institute Rugby Club 13–3. CC&FC’s victory was built on a try from Harvinder Singh, while Denzil Fredrick Dsilva added points through accurate kicking.
Sergeant Institute’s only points of the match came from a penalty conversion by Anupam Bhengra. With the result, CC&FC will face Bangalore Rugby Club in the Plate Final, while Rebels RC and Sergeant Institute will contest the match to determine seventh place.
Women’s Finals Day Next
Before the men’s title clash, attention will shift to the women’s competition on Thursday, which will host the finals day for the women’s category. Defending champions Odisha Rugby Club will take on Future Hope Harlequins in the Women’s Final, while CC&FC and Delhi Hurricanes will compete in the third-place playoff. The women’s matches are expected to draw strong local support, particularly with Odisha RC aiming to defend their title on home soil.
National Rugby Championship’s Growing Importance
The National Rugby 15s Championship remains the premier club rugby tournament in India, bringing together top teams from across the country. The competition plays a crucial role in identifying emerging players and strengthening the pathway to the Indian national rugby team.
Organised by the Indian Rugby Football Union, the tournament is being conducted with the support of the Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha, along with the Odisha Rugby Football Association. Over the years, the championship has become an important platform for developing rugby talent and promoting the sport across the country.
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The tournament will conclude on March 13, when Delhi Hurricanes and Bombay Gymkhana face off in the men’s final. With the Hurricanes aiming to defend their title and Bombay Gymkhana looking to reclaim national glory, the championship clash promises to be a thrilling encounter. The match will not only determine the National Rugby 15s champion for 2026, but also highlight the growing competitiveness of club rugby in India.
