India’s Senior Men’s Rugby Sevens team concluded a remarkable campaign at the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy (AREST) 2025 in Muscat as runners-up, earning promotion to the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series (ARESS) Asia’s premier rugby sevens competition.
Led by head coach Ben Gollings, the former England Sevens captain, India’s campaign was defined by discipline, tactical maturity, and resilience. Across two days of intense competition, the squad showcased a balance of structured defence and explosive attacking play hallmarks of a side steadily growing in confidence and international competitiveness.
Strong Start and Momentum Through the Knockouts
India began their campaign in Group B with a gritty 14-10 comeback victory over Lebanon, overturning an early deficit through composed phase play and decisive finishing in the second half. The team carried that momentum into their next outing, registering a 26-5 win over Afghanistan to top their group and advance to the knockout stages unbeaten. In the quarterfinal, India overcame Iran 21-7 with a commanding all-round performance, demonstrating sharpness in breakdowns and swift transitions from defence to attack.
India Earn Historic Promotion to Asia Rugby Sevens Series After Unbeaten Run in Muscat
The semifinal against Saudi Arabia saw India execute their most complete performance of the tournament a clinical 17-0 shutout, built on defensive organisation and quick recycling at the rucks. That result secured India a place in the final against tournament favourites Kazakhstan, setting up a high-stakes clash between two of Asia’s emerging rugby forces.
In the championship match, India battled hard but fell to Kazakhstan 0-27, a scoreline that didn’t fully reflect the team’s competitive spirit and structured intent. Kazakhstan’s physicality and pace in open play proved decisive, but India’s defensive resolve ensured they remained in contention deep into both halves before fatigue set in. Despite the defeat, India’s campaign stood out for its collective effort, intelligent game management, and ability to adapt to varied opposition.
The silver-medal finish also marked India’s best result in the Emirates Sevens Trophy to date, and more importantly, secured promotion to the ARESS 2026 season, where they will now compete against Asia’s elite including Japan, Hong Kong China, Sri Lanka, and China.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, head coach Ben Gollings expressed pride in the squad’s progression and professionalism:
“I’m incredibly proud of this team. In a short span, the players have shown immense dedication, focus, and teamwork, achieving a significant milestone for Indian rugby with promotion to the top-tier Sevens Series. Every player and staff member contributed to our progress, and while the final wasn’t ours, this experience lays a strong foundation as we move forward and continue to grow.”
Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) President Rahul Bose echoed those sentiments, emphasising the broader importance of the achievement:
“This tournament is another demonstration of the steady progress and belief within Indian men’s rugby. The team showed heart, discipline, and skill across every match, and while the final didn’t go in our favour, the journey to reach this stage speaks volumes about our growth. I want to congratulate our players, coaching staff, and support teams for their dedication and perseverance throughout the competition. We also extend our congratulations to Kazakhstan for a hard-fought and well-earned victory.”
A Product of Structured Development and Competitive Exposure
India’s rise in recent years has been fuelled by Rugby India’s high-performance initiatives and the growing success of the GMR Rugby Premier League (GMR RPL) the country’s first professional rugby league. The RPL’s debut season exposed Indian players to high-intensity competition alongside and against top domestic and international talent, sharpening their tactical awareness and fitness levels.
That exposure was evident in Muscat, where India demonstrated composure under pressure, tactical discipline in restarts, and defensive coordination all key indicators of the country’s improving rugby infrastructure and coaching ecosystem.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Indian Rugby
With this runners-up finish, India not only secures a coveted berth in Asia’s top-tier sevens circuit but also consolidates its reputation as one of the region’s fast-rising rugby nations. The promotion means India will now regularly face some of Asia’s most experienced teams, providing consistent exposure to elite competition a vital step toward long-term competitiveness and World Rugby Sevens qualification pathways. The success in Muscat also complements the recent strides made by the Indian Women’s Rugby Sevens team, who are already part of Asia Rugby’s premier division.
Together, the achievements of both squads underscore the sport’s growing footprint and ambition in India.
The Muscat campaign stands as a testament to strategic planning, sustained development, and collective effort — both on and off the field. As India prepares for its debut season in the ARESS, the focus will shift toward consistency, expanded squad depth, and technical refinement. India’s journey at the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy 2025 was more than a podium finish it was a statement of intent. From comeback wins to disciplined defensive displays, the team embodied the evolution of Indian rugby’s mindset and ambition.
The road ahead promises tougher challenges, but with a strong foundation laid in Muscat and growing belief across the ecosystem, Indian Rugby’s ascent in Asia has well and truly begun.
