Rajgir is once again set to become the centre of Indian rugby as the State Sports Complex prepares to host the 13th Senior National Rugby Sevens Championships from April 16 to 21, 2026.
With participation from 27 teams in the women’s category and 26 teams in the men’s competition, the event marks one of the largest gatherings of rugby talent in the country this season.
Organised by the Indian Rugby Football Union in collaboration with the Government of Bihar, the Department of Sports, Bihar State Sports Authority, and the Bihar Rugby Football Association, the tournament reflects the sport’s expanding footprint across India. The return of a major national event to Rajgir also reinforces Bihar’s growing reputation as a capable host for high-level rugby competitions.
This will be the second significant rugby event held at the venue within a year, following the successful staging of the Asia Rugby U-20 Sevens Championship in August 2025. That tournament not only tested the infrastructure and organisational capabilities of the region but also demonstrated the increasing appetite for rugby in non-traditional centres.
The upcoming Senior Nationals will follow a structured schedule, with the women’s competition taking place over April 16 and 17, followed by the men’s event on April 20 and 21. The format promises fast-paced action, with rugby sevens known for its shorter match durations, high intensity, and emphasis on speed and tactical execution.
In the women’s category, defending champions Bihar will enter the tournament with significant expectations, particularly given the advantage of playing at home. Their victory in 2025, where they defeated Odisha in the final, marked a significant milestone as they secured their second national title. This year, they will look to replicate that performance in front of a home crowd.
Odisha, last year’s runners-up, remain one of the strongest sides in the competition and will be keen to reclaim the title. Known for their structured gameplay and physicality, they are expected to pose a serious challenge once again. Maharashtra, who secured the bronze medal in the previous edition, will also be among the contenders, bringing depth and experience to the tournament.
The men’s competition, scheduled later in the week, is expected to be equally competitive. Defending champions West Bengal return after clinching their maiden national title in 2025, where they edged Haryana in a closely contested final. That victory signalled a shift in the competitive landscape of Indian rugby, with newer teams beginning to challenge traditional powerhouses.
Haryana, historically one of the most successful teams in Indian rugby, will once again be among the favourites. Their consistent performances over the years have established them as a benchmark in the domestic circuit. Meanwhile, Bihar, who finished with the bronze medal last year, will aim to capitalise on home conditions and push for a place in the final.
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Beyond the immediate competition, the Senior National Rugby Sevens Championships serve a broader purpose within the Indian rugby ecosystem. The tournament acts as a key platform for talent identification, with performances often influencing national team selections and professional opportunities. For many players, it represents a pathway to international exposure and potential inclusion in India’s sevens squads for continental and global events.
Rugby sevens, in particular, has gained prominence due to its inclusion in the Olympic programme, making domestic competitions like these crucial in building a competitive national pool. The emphasis on speed, agility, and tactical awareness aligns well with the evolving demands of the modern game, and Indian teams are gradually adapting to these requirements.
The choice of Rajgir as the host venue also reflects a strategic effort to decentralise sports infrastructure and promote disciplines beyond traditional urban centres. Bihar’s proactive approach in hosting back-to-back rugby events highlights a growing commitment to sports development and grassroots engagement.
From an organisational standpoint, the collaboration between national and state bodies will be key to the event’s success. Efficient scheduling, quality playing conditions, and spectator engagement will all play a role in enhancing the overall experience for players and fans alike.
As the championships approach, the focus will be on delivering high-quality rugby and showcasing the progress the sport has made in India. With state pride on the line and a mix of established teams and emerging contenders in the fray, the tournament promises a competitive and dynamic contest.
Ultimately, the 13th Senior National Rugby Sevens Championships represent more than just a battle for titles. They underline the steady growth of rugby in India, the emergence of new centres of excellence, and the increasing depth of talent across both men’s and women’s categories. Rajgir, once again, will be at the heart of this evolving story.
