Indian club rugby will return to the spotlight as the National Rugby 15s Championship Division 1 makes its comeback with the country’s leading men’s and women’s teams set to compete in Bhubaneswar.
The week-long tournament will take place at the Kalinga Stadium from March 7 to 13, bringing together some of the strongest rugby clubs in India. Organised by the Indian Rugby Football Union, with support from the Department of Sports and Youth Services Odisha and the Odisha Rugby Football Association, the championship promises a week of high-intensity rugby action.
The event will serve as the premier club competition in Indian rugby, offering players an opportunity to compete at the highest domestic level while catching the attention of national selectors.
A Strong Field in Men’s Competition
The men’s competition will feature 10 clubs, representing some of the most competitive rugby setups in the country. Among them are historic rugby institutions such as Bombay Gymkhana and Calcutta Cricket and Football Club, which have played a crucial role in shaping the sport’s history in India.
Joining them are several emerging powerhouses of Indian club rugby, reflecting the sport’s growing reach across the country. Teams competing in the men’s division include Delhi Hurricanes, Future Hope Harlequins, KISS Rugby Club, Rebels Rugby Club, Sergeant Institute Rugby Club, Bangalore Rugby Club, Delhi Lions Rugby Club, and Odisha Rugby Club.
With a mix of traditional clubs and rising contenders, the tournament is expected to produce closely contested matches as teams battle for domestic supremacy.
Competitive Women’s Division
The women’s competition will feature six teams, highlighting the steady development of women’s rugby in India. The participating sides include Odisha RC, Delhi Hurricanes, Future Hope Harlequins, Calcutta Cricket & Football Club, Rugby Warriors Kerala, and Chandigarh United Rugby Club. The women’s tournament promises exciting contests as clubs compete for national honours while continuing to push the growth of women’s rugby across the country.
Beyond the competition itself, the National Rugby 15s Championship plays an important role in the development of Indian rugby. As the premier domestic club tournament, it provides emerging players a stage to showcase their skills against some of the best talent in the country.
National selectors and scouts closely follow the tournament, using it as an opportunity to identify players who could potentially represent India in the international 15s format. Strong performances at the championship often open doors for players to earn a place in national training camps or national team squads.
This developmental pathway is particularly important as India continues to strengthen its rugby structure and expand the talent base for both men’s and women’s national teams.
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The previous edition of the National Rugby 15s Championship, held in 2024, delivered memorable performances across both competitions. Odisha Rugby Club emerged as the champions in the women’s category, showcasing their dominance on home soil.
In the men’s division, Delhi Hurricanes secured the title after a strong campaign that highlighted their depth and tactical discipline. As the teams return for the 2026 edition, both champions will be eager to defend their titles against a field determined to challenge their dominance.
Hosting the championship at Kalinga Stadium further underlines Bhubaneswar’s reputation as one of India’s leading sporting hubs. The city has successfully hosted several national and international sporting events across multiple disciplines, and the return of the National Rugby 15s Championship adds another significant event to its sporting calendar.
With top clubs from across the country assembling in Odisha for a week of competition, the tournament is expected to deliver intense matches, emerging talent, and a celebration of Indian club rugby.
As the championship begins on March 7, fans and players alike will look forward to a week that could shape the future of Indian rugby both at the club level and on the national stage.
