Overview
- Governing body
- Rugby India
- Origin
- 19th century England
- Olympic discipline
- Yes
- Category
- Team
- Total players listed
- …
Rugby is one of India's most-followed disciplines. The Rugby India oversees national federation activity, talent identification and Olympic qualification pathways. Major support flows in through TOPS and Khelo India for athletes who clear federation benchmarks.
Rugby is a recognised Olympic discipline, which shapes the entire high-performance pipeline in India. Athletes who break into the senior national camp become eligible for the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which funds international training stints, foreign coaches, sports science support, equipment and travel for ranking events. Below the senior tier, the Khelo India Youth Games, University Games and Winter Games act as the country's largest scouting net, feeding talent into the Khelo India Talent Development scheme where annual stipends, boarding and dedicated coaching are provided at SAI National Centres of Excellence and accredited academies. The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports tracks every selected athlete's progress against published benchmarks, and underperformance can mean a drop from the scheme — the pathway is rigorous by design.
As a team sport, Rugby in India is built around a club, district and state structure that culminates in national-level inter-state competition. State associations affiliated to the Rugby India run age-group leagues from under-14 upwards, with the strongest pools historically coming from states with established grassroots infrastructure. Franchise leagues — where they exist — sit on top of this pyramid and have transformed athlete earnings, broadcast visibility and the professionalisation of coaching and support staff. School and college tournaments under SGFI and AIU remain the primary discovery route for players who do not come through a private academy.
At the grassroots, the route into Rugby typically starts at school under the School Games Federation of India (SGFI), at the inter-university level under the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), or through a private academy registered with the state association. The Khelo India Youth Games and Khelo India University Games are the largest single discovery platforms — athletes who reach the podium at these events become eligible for the Khelo India Talent Development scheme, which funds boarding, coaching, kit, education and a monthly stipend at accredited centres. State sports awards and central government jobs under the sports quota remain a powerful incentive for athletes from smaller towns.
Rugby originated in 19th century England, and in India it has developed a distinct character shaped by the country's geography, demographics and sporting culture. Whether you want to compete, coach, sponsor, write about or simply follow Rugby, the practical starting point is the same: connect with your state association under the Rugby India, identify the nearest SAI centre or accredited academy, and track the Khelo India and federation calendars for the events that decide selection at every level. Rugby is played and developed across India under the Rugby India, with grassroots programmes, state associations and national-level competition pathways.
History
How rugby evolved globally and took root in India.
Rugby traces its modern origins to 19th century England. Codified rules, standard equipment and international competition took shape as the sport spread beyond its birthplace, and Rugby India is the body that carried it into organised Indian competition.
In India, rugby grew through princely-state patronage, defence-service teams, universities and state associations. Post-independence, the discipline was formalised under Rugby India, national championships were instituted, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) later brought it into the centralised high-performance system with dedicated centres, coaching cadres and sports-science support.
Rugby being on the Olympic programme reshaped its Indian pathway: Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) selection, Khelo India Talent Development stipends and international training stints became the norm for the country's leading athletes.
Indian Players
Loading…- Aadhya ReddyTamil NaduLock
Towering lock and dominant line-out option.
- Aakash JadhavTamil NaduFullback
Safe under the high ball; the team's last line of defence and attacking spark.
- Aarohi RaoNagalandNumber 8
Ball-carrying No. 8 and primary attacking platform from the base of the scrum.
- Abhay PandeyTelanganaLock
Towering lock and dominant line-out option.
- Aditi SinghTelanganaNumber 8
Dynamic No. 8 with strong offloading game.
- Advik NegiMeghalayaFullback
Counter-attacking fullback with a strong kicking game from the back.
- Anika PrasadHimachal PradeshScrum-half
Quick-thinking 9 with a sniping running game.
- Anika SubramanianDelhiHooker
Hard-tackling hooker with set-piece reliability.
- Aniket PandeyArunachal PradeshNumber 8
Dynamic No. 8 with strong offloading game.
- Anjali DeshpandeHaryanaHooker
Front-row leader; accurate line-out thrower and ball-carrying hooker.
- Anjali GhoshChhattisgarhFullback
Safe under the high ball; the team's last line of defence and attacking spark.
- Arjun GhoshTripuraFly-half
Game-managing fly-half with reliable goal-kicking off both tees.
- Arjun KumarGujaratHooker
Front-row leader; accurate line-out thrower and ball-carrying hooker.
- Asmita TrivediTamil NaduWing
Strike winger and the side's leading try-scorer in recent seasons.
- Atharv JindalMadhya PradeshNumber 8
Ball-carrying No. 8 and primary attacking platform from the base of the scrum.
- Atharv SahooAndhra PradeshWing
Powerful finisher with searing pace down the touchline.
- Atharv YadavNagalandCentre
Distributing centre with sharp footwork and offloading skill.
- Bhakti KulkarniUttar PradeshWing
Strike winger and the side's leading try-scorer in recent seasons.
- Bhakti KulkarniNagalandFlanker
Openside flanker with elite turnover instincts at the ruck.
- Bhanu MishraManipurFly-half
Playmaking 10 with a strong tactical kicking game.
- Bhavna TyagiPunjabFullback
Counter-attacking fullback with a strong kicking game from the back.
- Bhumi BoseGujaratLock
Athletic second-row known for restart wins and big tackles.
- Bindiya MohantyMaharashtraNumber 8
Dynamic No. 8 with strong offloading game.
- Chandni PatnaikDelhiScrum-half
Quick-thinking 9 with a sniping running game.
- Charan JindalTripuraProp
Loosehead prop known for relentless work at the breakdown.
- Charvi NegiTamil NaduFullback
Counter-attacking fullback with a strong kicking game from the back.
- Charvi RawatMeghalayaWing
Powerful finisher with searing pace down the touchline.
- Darshan IyerManipurNumber 8
Dynamic No. 8 with strong offloading game.
- Deepika BishtUttar PradeshScrum-half
Quick-thinking 9 with a sniping running game.
- Deepika TiwariDelhiFly-half
Game-managing fly-half with reliable goal-kicking off both tees.
- Deepika TyagiNagalandScrum-half
Sharp-passing scrum-half; the team's tempo-setter at the base.
- Devyani TrivediRajasthanHooker
Front-row leader; accurate line-out thrower and ball-carrying hooker.
- Dhruv SenJharkhandHooker
Hard-tackling hooker with set-piece reliability.
- Dinesh BhatiaChandigarhFly-half
Game-managing fly-half with reliable goal-kicking off both tees.
- Dinesh DuttaArunachal PradeshFullback
Safe under the high ball; the team's last line of defence and attacking spark.
- Dinesh MishraDelhiFly-half
Game-managing fly-half with reliable goal-kicking off both tees.
- Diya RajputAndhra PradeshNumber 8
Ball-carrying No. 8 and primary attacking platform from the base of the scrum.
- Eklavya RathodKeralaCentre
Distributing centre with sharp footwork and offloading skill.
- Eklavya SenHaryanaFly-half
Game-managing fly-half with reliable goal-kicking off both tees.
- Ekta MishraAssamScrum-half
Quick-thinking 9 with a sniping running game.
- Eshan NairJharkhandCentre
Distributing centre with sharp footwork and offloading skill.
- Eshani BishtTripuraFly-half
Game-managing fly-half with reliable goal-kicking off both tees.
- Faisal DubeMadhya PradeshScrum-half
Quick-thinking 9 with a sniping running game.
- Falak GuptaAssamFly-half
Game-managing fly-half with reliable goal-kicking off both tees.
- Falak KerkettaUttarakhandFlanker
Openside flanker with elite turnover instincts at the ruck.
- Falguni VarmaSikkimCentre
Crash-ball inside centre and defensive leader in midfield.
- Falguni VarmaArunachal PradeshHooker
Front-row leader; accurate line-out thrower and ball-carrying hooker.
- Firoz TyagiWest BengalNumber 8
Dynamic No. 8 with strong offloading game.
- Gagan ChandraHimachal PradeshFullback
Safe under the high ball; the team's last line of defence and attacking spark.
- Gauri ChatterjeeHaryanaProp
Powerful tighthead prop and scrum cornerstone for the national XV.
- Gauri NaiduMadhya PradeshFlanker
Blindside flanker; physical defender and ball-carrier.
- Gauri TyagiAndhra PradeshScrum-half
Quick-thinking 9 with a sniping running game.
- Geetika MenonAssamProp
Powerful tighthead prop and scrum cornerstone for the national XV.
- Geetika ShettyTelanganaWing
Powerful finisher with searing pace down the touchline.
- Harshita DesaiRajasthanFullback
Safe under the high ball; the team's last line of defence and attacking spark.
- Heer ChopraTripuraLock
Towering lock and dominant line-out option.
- Heer PatelPuducherryProp
Powerful tighthead prop and scrum cornerstone for the national XV.
- Hema DashManipurCentre
Crash-ball inside centre and defensive leader in midfield.
- Hema JoshiUttarakhandWing
Powerful finisher with searing pace down the touchline.
- Hema KumarRajasthanHooker
Hard-tackling hooker with set-piece reliability.
- Hemant AgarwalKeralaFly-half
Playmaking 10 with a strong tactical kicking game.
- Hiral PatelTamil NaduNumber 8
Ball-carrying No. 8 and primary attacking platform from the base of the scrum.
- Hiral SahooAndhra PradeshScrum-half
Quick-thinking 9 with a sniping running game.
- Hrithik PrasadManipurFly-half
Playmaking 10 with a strong tactical kicking game.
- Hrithik VarmaMaharashtraProp
Loosehead prop known for relentless work at the breakdown.
- Ila BhallaTripuraProp
Powerful tighthead prop and scrum cornerstone for the national XV.
- Imran LakraNagalandWing
Powerful finisher with searing pace down the touchline.
- Imran VermaTripuraScrum-half
Quick-thinking 9 with a sniping running game.
- Inder ChatterjeeMadhya PradeshProp
Loosehead prop known for relentless work at the breakdown.
- Inder ParmarSikkimNumber 8
Dynamic No. 8 with strong offloading game.
- Ishaan RanaOdishaNumber 8
Ball-carrying No. 8 and primary attacking platform from the base of the scrum.
- Ishan MalhotraMadhya PradeshFullback
Counter-attacking fullback with a strong kicking game from the back.
- Ishita PradhanBiharHooker
Front-row leader; accurate line-out thrower and ball-carrying hooker.
- Jaideep AroraBiharNumber 8
Dynamic No. 8 with strong offloading game.
- Jaideep MalhotraChhattisgarhNumber 8
Dynamic No. 8 with strong offloading game.
- Janvi KamathUttar PradeshFlanker
Openside flanker with elite turnover instincts at the ruck.
- Jaspreet ChopraHaryanaHooker
Hard-tackling hooker with set-piece reliability.
- Jatin DeshpandeSikkimScrum-half
Sharp-passing scrum-half; the team's tempo-setter at the base.
- Jatin SubramanianJharkhandFullback
Safe under the high ball; the team's last line of defence and attacking spark.
- Jhanvi LakraDelhiHooker
Front-row leader; accurate line-out thrower and ball-carrying hooker.
- Jiya GuptaChhattisgarhCentre
Crash-ball inside centre and defensive leader in midfield.
- Kajal RanaWest BengalProp
Loosehead prop known for relentless work at the breakdown.
- Kajal RawatAndhra PradeshProp
Loosehead prop known for relentless work at the breakdown.
- Kartik SrivastavaChandigarhWing
Powerful finisher with searing pace down the touchline.
- Kavya AwasthiWest BengalHooker
Hard-tackling hooker with set-piece reliability.
- Kavya NegiMadhya PradeshProp
Powerful tighthead prop and scrum cornerstone for the national XV.
- Keshav NegiPunjabHooker
Hard-tackling hooker with set-piece reliability.
- Kiara ChopraMadhya PradeshCentre
Crash-ball inside centre and defensive leader in midfield.
- Kiara OjhaBiharScrum-half
Quick-thinking 9 with a sniping running game.
- Kiara SharmaBiharCentre
Distributing centre with sharp footwork and offloading skill.
- Kiran BhosaleKeralaHooker
Hard-tackling hooker with set-piece reliability.
- Kiran PathakTamil NaduCentre
Distributing centre with sharp footwork and offloading skill.
- Kritika TopnoKeralaNumber 8
Ball-carrying No. 8 and primary attacking platform from the base of the scrum.
- Lakshay BoseKarnatakaCentre
Distributing centre with sharp footwork and offloading skill.
- Lakshay RoyRajasthanNumber 8
Dynamic No. 8 with strong offloading game.
- Lakshay SahooSikkimFlanker
Blindside flanker; physical defender and ball-carrier.
- Lata AhujaDelhiWing
Strike winger and the side's leading try-scorer in recent seasons.
- Lipika BeheraAssamScrum-half
Sharp-passing scrum-half; the team's tempo-setter at the base.
- Lipika NairChhattisgarhFlanker
Openside flanker with elite turnover instincts at the ruck.
- Lipika SarkarHaryanaFly-half
Game-managing fly-half with reliable goal-kicking off both tees.
- Lokesh NairJharkhandCentre
Crash-ball inside centre and defensive leader in midfield.
- Madhav NaiduTripuraHooker
Hard-tackling hooker with set-piece reliability.
- Mahima KulkarniBiharFlanker
Openside flanker with elite turnover instincts at the ruck.
- Mahima MittalAssamFlanker
Openside flanker with elite turnover instincts at the ruck.
- Manav AwasthiMizoramHooker
Front-row leader; accurate line-out thrower and ball-carrying hooker.
- Manav DesaiWest BengalFly-half
Playmaking 10 with a strong tactical kicking game.
- Manisha TiwariUttarakhandLock
Athletic second-row known for restart wins and big tackles.
- Meera ShettyOdishaWing
Powerful finisher with searing pace down the touchline.
- Mira MahapatraRajasthanCentre
Distributing centre with sharp footwork and offloading skill.
- Mira MenonJharkhandLock
Athletic second-row known for restart wins and big tackles.
- Mithun ChatterjeeAssamProp
Powerful tighthead prop and scrum cornerstone for the national XV.
- Mithun IyerTelanganaWing
Powerful finisher with searing pace down the touchline.
- Myra SinghChhattisgarhHooker
Front-row leader; accurate line-out thrower and ball-carrying hooker.
- Neha TomarRajasthanFly-half
Playmaking 10 with a strong tactical kicking game.
- Nirmal SinghTripuraScrum-half
Quick-thinking 9 with a sniping running game.
- Nirmal YadavHaryanaHooker
Front-row leader; accurate line-out thrower and ball-carrying hooker.
- Nisha KamathBiharFly-half
Playmaking 10 with a strong tactical kicking game.
- Ojas AhujaKarnatakaWing
Strike winger and the side's leading try-scorer in recent seasons.
- Pallavi ChoudharyBiharFullback
Counter-attacking fullback with a strong kicking game from the back.
- Pallavi MalhotraSikkimLock
Athletic second-row known for restart wins and big tackles.
- Pallavi PatilMizoramHooker
Hard-tackling hooker with set-piece reliability.
- Pankaj JindalArunachal PradeshFlanker
Blindside flanker; physical defender and ball-carrier.
- Pari NairKarnatakaWing
Strike winger and the side's leading try-scorer in recent seasons.
- Pavan SahooHaryanaFlanker
Openside flanker with elite turnover instincts at the ruck.
- Pavan TopnoAssamWing
Strike winger and the side's leading try-scorer in recent seasons.
- Payal KerkettaBiharFly-half
Playmaking 10 with a strong tactical kicking game.
- Payal RanaSikkimHooker
Front-row leader; accurate line-out thrower and ball-carrying hooker.
- Pranav PillaiMadhya PradeshNumber 8
Dynamic No. 8 with strong offloading game.
- Prateek ChandraHimachal PradeshHooker
Hard-tackling hooker with set-piece reliability.
- Prateek DashGujaratProp
Powerful tighthead prop and scrum cornerstone for the national XV.
- Prateek MishraRajasthanProp
Powerful tighthead prop and scrum cornerstone for the national XV.
- Prateek TomarChhattisgarhCentre
Crash-ball inside centre and defensive leader in midfield.
- Preeti SrivastavaKarnatakaScrum-half
Quick-thinking 9 with a sniping running game.
- Radhika DesaiOdishaFlanker
Blindside flanker; physical defender and ball-carrier.
- Radhika SinghRajasthanNumber 8
Ball-carrying No. 8 and primary attacking platform from the base of the scrum.
- Raghav NagJammu & KashmirHooker
Front-row leader; accurate line-out thrower and ball-carrying hooker.
- Raghav PatelMeghalayaFlanker
Openside flanker with elite turnover instincts at the ruck.
- Raghav PawarJammu & KashmirFly-half
Game-managing fly-half with reliable goal-kicking off both tees.
- Raghav RaoHimachal PradeshNumber 8
Ball-carrying No. 8 and primary attacking platform from the base of the scrum.
- Rahul ReddyTelanganaWing
Powerful finisher with searing pace down the touchline.
- Rakesh MohantyArunachal PradeshScrum-half
Quick-thinking 9 with a sniping running game.
- Rashmi DubeArunachal PradeshProp
Powerful tighthead prop and scrum cornerstone for the national XV.
- Rashmi GoyalOdishaCentre
Crash-ball inside centre and defensive leader in midfield.
- Rashmi SinhaKeralaFlanker
Blindside flanker; physical defender and ball-carrier.
- Reyansh GuptaPunjabProp
Loosehead prop known for relentless work at the breakdown.
- Reyansh TyagiMizoramWing
Strike winger and the side's leading try-scorer in recent seasons.
- Rishi HegdeWest BengalLock
Towering lock and dominant line-out option.
- Ritika MenonChandigarhProp
Loosehead prop known for relentless work at the breakdown.
- Ritvik YadavPunjabLock
Athletic second-row known for restart wins and big tackles.
- Riya GhoshChandigarhNumber 8
Ball-carrying No. 8 and primary attacking platform from the base of the scrum.
- Rohan BhatiaMadhya PradeshScrum-half
Sharp-passing scrum-half; the team's tempo-setter at the base.
- Saanvi SenAssamHooker
Front-row leader; accurate line-out thrower and ball-carrying hooker.
- Sameer BansalSikkimLock
Towering lock and dominant line-out option.
- Sandeep PatilJharkhandHooker
Front-row leader; accurate line-out thrower and ball-carrying hooker.
- Sanket BhattacharyaMaharashtraFlanker
Openside flanker with elite turnover instincts at the ruck.
- Sanket DasMadhya PradeshProp
Powerful tighthead prop and scrum cornerstone for the national XV.
- Sanket PatnaikKarnatakaProp
Powerful tighthead prop and scrum cornerstone for the national XV.
- Sanya PillaiOdishaNumber 8
Ball-carrying No. 8 and primary attacking platform from the base of the scrum.
- Sara KrishnanMizoramFlanker
Blindside flanker; physical defender and ball-carrier.
- Shalini KamathJharkhandCentre
Crash-ball inside centre and defensive leader in midfield.
- Shaurya NaiduHaryanaFullback
Counter-attacking fullback with a strong kicking game from the back.
- Siddharth DasOdishaLock
Towering lock and dominant line-out option.
- Siddharth DeshpandeMeghalayaHooker
Hard-tackling hooker with set-piece reliability.
- Tanvi ChopraKeralaProp
Loosehead prop known for relentless work at the breakdown.
- Tara ChakrabortyChhattisgarhFly-half
Game-managing fly-half with reliable goal-kicking off both tees.
- Tarak ChauhanSikkimNumber 8
Ball-carrying No. 8 and primary attacking platform from the base of the scrum.
- Tejaswini SubramanianChandigarhCentre
Crash-ball inside centre and defensive leader in midfield.
- Trisha PillaiUttarakhandFlanker
Openside flanker with elite turnover instincts at the ruck.
- Tushar GuptaJharkhandFullback
Counter-attacking fullback with a strong kicking game from the back.
- Tushar KarWest BengalCentre
Crash-ball inside centre and defensive leader in midfield.
- Tushar TopnoHaryanaFullback
Counter-attacking fullback with a strong kicking game from the back.
- Umesh MenonMizoramFly-half
Game-managing fly-half with reliable goal-kicking off both tees.
- Urmila NaiduMeghalayaWing
Strike winger and the side's leading try-scorer in recent seasons.
- Urvi KamathAndhra PradeshFullback
Counter-attacking fullback with a strong kicking game from the back.
- Urvi ParmarRajasthanFlanker
Openside flanker with elite turnover instincts at the ruck.
- Vaishali JindalMeghalayaFlanker
Blindside flanker; physical defender and ball-carrier.
- Vaishali OjhaJammu & KashmirNumber 8
Dynamic No. 8 with strong offloading game.
- Vaishali PatelGoaFly-half
Playmaking 10 with a strong tactical kicking game.
- Vaishali RawatMizoramScrum-half
Sharp-passing scrum-half; the team's tempo-setter at the base.
- Varsha DixitHaryanaFlanker
Blindside flanker; physical defender and ball-carrier.
- Varsha MishraHaryanaFly-half
Playmaking 10 with a strong tactical kicking game.
- Varun AgarwalBiharCentre
Crash-ball inside centre and defensive leader in midfield.
- Varun AwasthiMeghalayaFly-half
Playmaking 10 with a strong tactical kicking game.
- Varun MohantyMaharashtraFly-half
Game-managing fly-half with reliable goal-kicking off both tees.
- Veer MishraKeralaCentre
Crash-ball inside centre and defensive leader in midfield.
- Vidya KerkettaHaryanaScrum-half
Quick-thinking 9 with a sniping running game.
- Vihaan SuriGujaratWing
Powerful finisher with searing pace down the touchline.
- Vikas PillaiChhattisgarhCentre
Crash-ball inside centre and defensive leader in midfield.
- Vikas SuriHaryanaCentre
Distributing centre with sharp footwork and offloading skill.
- Vivaan PillaiTripuraFly-half
Playmaking 10 with a strong tactical kicking game.
- Wasim SethiTripuraProp
Loosehead prop known for relentless work at the breakdown.
- Yash LakraMadhya PradeshHooker
Front-row leader; accurate line-out thrower and ball-carrying hooker.
- Yash NairJammu & KashmirScrum-half
Quick-thinking 9 with a sniping running game.
- Yash SinghChandigarhFly-half
Playmaking 10 with a strong tactical kicking game.
- Yashvi ChoudharyAndhra PradeshFullback
Safe under the high ball; the team's last line of defence and attacking spark.
- Yogesh VarmaMizoramFlanker
Blindside flanker; physical defender and ball-carrier.
- Yuvraj PantWest BengalWing
Strike winger and the side's leading try-scorer in recent seasons.
- Yuvraj SharmaPunjabCentre
Crash-ball inside centre and defensive leader in midfield.
- Zara PatnaikTripuraFly-half
Playmaking 10 with a strong tactical kicking game.
- Zubin NairRajasthanFullback
Safe under the high ball; the team's last line of defence and attacking spark.
Rules
Two opposing sides contest a fixed-duration match on a marked field or court, with officials enforcing possession, out-of-play, foul and scoring rules published by the international federation. Teams field a set number of players plus substitutes, age and gender categories are strictly separated, and match officials use video review at the top level. India follows the international rulebook adopted by the national federation, with domestic tweaks for age-group and school competition durations.
Authoritative rulebook: Rugby India. Age-group and school-level variations are published by SGFI and the state associations each season.
Positions
Key roles, events or positions inside a rugby squad or competition.
- Attackers / forwardsPrimary scorers who operate closest to the opposition goal or scoring zone.
- Midfielders / all-roundersLink play between defence and attack; usually the highest work-rate positions.
- DefendersDeny the opposition space and possession in the defensive third.
- Goalkeeper / last lineSpecialist stopper with distinct kit and rules; the final line of defence.
- Captain & vice-captainOn-field leadership, decision-making and communication with match officials.
Equipment
Standard kit and infrastructure required to train and compete in rugby at a federation-recognised event.
- Match ball or puck to the federation's specification
- Team playing kit, warm-up gear and studded/turf footwear
- Personal protective equipment where the sport requires it (shin guards, mouthguard, helmet, pads)
- Training equipment: cones, agility ladders, GPS vests, video analysis rig
- Field or court markings, goals/nets and match-officials' equipment
Governing body
Rugby India is the recognised national body for Rugby in India. It sets the domestic calendar, selection norms, coaching curriculum and anti-doping compliance, and is affiliated to the international federation for rugby. State associations under Rugby India run age-group competition and feed the national talent pipeline.
- Origin
- 19th century England
- Olympic
- Yes
- Category
- Team
Major Indian Events
Domestic championships, Khelo India events, National Games and franchise leagues that shape the rugby calendar in India.
- Rugby India Senior National Championship
The primary domestic rugby title and the main selection trial for the senior India team.
- Rugby India Junior & Sub-Junior National Championship
Age-group nationals that feed the Khelo India Talent Development scheme and the senior camp.
- Khelo India Youth Games & University Games — Rugby
India's largest multi-sport scouting platform; medallists become eligible for KIA stipends and boarding at accredited centres.
- National Games of India — Rugby
Quadrennial multi-sport meet contested by state teams; state governments give cash awards, jobs and land grants to medallists.
- Rugby Premier League
India's first franchise Rugby 7s league, launched by Rugby India and GMR Sports with global stars alongside Indian internationals.
- Senior National Rugby Championship
Rugby India's flagship national championship for state sides across XVs and Sevens formats.
International Events
Continental and world-level competitions where India competes in rugby.
- Olympic Games
Rugby is on the Olympic programme; qualification runs through Rugby India and the international federation's ranking events.
- Asian Games & Asian Championships
Continental championship pathway sanctioned by Rugby India; medallists receive central and state cash awards.
- Commonwealth Games / Championships
Commonwealth-level competition where India regularly fields medal contenders in rugby.
- World Championships
The senior world title event of the international federation — the peak of the rugby calendar outside the Olympic year.
- Asia Rugby Championship
Top-tier Asian XVs championship; India competes in the Asia Rugby Division series.
- Asia Rugby Sevens Series
Annual continental Sevens series; the qualifying pathway to the World Rugby Sevens Series and the Asian Games.
Leagues
Franchise and professional leagues catalogued for rugby. Full season data, champions and schedule filters are available in the sidebar.
- Domestic · Since 2025Rugby Premier League
India's first franchise Rugby 7s league, launched by Rugby India and GMR Sports with global stars alongside Indian internationals.
- International · Since 2008Asia Rugby Championship
Top-tier Asian XVs championship; India competes in the Asia Rugby Division series.
- International · Since 2009Asia Rugby Sevens Series
Annual continental Sevens series; the qualifying pathway to the World Rugby Sevens Series and the Asian Games.
- Domestic · Since 1998Senior National Rugby Championship
Rugby India's flagship national championship for state sides across XVs and Sevens formats.
International Players
Globally recognised rugby athletes to know outside India.
- Lionel Messi (Argentina)8-time Ballon d'Or; 2022 World Cup winner.
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)5-time Ballon d'Or; Euro 2016 champion.
- Kylian Mbappé (France)2018 World Cup winner; multiple Ligue 1 top scorer.
- Erling Haaland (Norway)Manchester City forward; Premier League Golden Boot.
- Manuel Neuer (Germany)2014 World Cup-winning goalkeeper; Bayern Munich legend.
Records
Where to find India's official rugby record book.
- Olympic medalsTracked
Individual and team Olympic medals for India in rugby are logged on the official IOC and IOA archives.
- Asian Games medalsTracked
India's Asian Games results in rugby are compiled by the Indian Olympic Association and the Rugby India.
- Commonwealth medalsTracked
Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Championship medals in rugby are maintained by the Rugby India.
- World Championship medalsTracked
Senior, junior and youth World Championship medal records are held by the international federation for rugby and mirrored by Rugby India.
- National record holdersFederation register
Rugby India publishes the current senior, junior and sub-junior national records and updates them after every ratified event.
Career Options
Ways to build a career in rugby — on the field, on the sidelines and behind the scenes.
- Professional player in a domestic franchise league, state team or overseas club
- Coach at grassroots, state, national or franchise level (federation-certified)
- Match official — referee, umpire, video review, technical delegate
- Sports science support — strength & conditioning, physiotherapy, nutrition, video analyst
- Sports management, broadcast, journalism, commentary and creator careers
- Government-quota jobs in Railways, defence, police, PSUs and state services for state and national representatives
Related academies
2 listed- Kalinga Institute of SportsEliteBhubaneswar, Odisha · Since 2010
Multi-sport elite complex hosting international hockey, athletics and football.
- Bihar State Sports AcademyStateRajgir, Bihar · Since 2022
Bihar's new multi-sport residential complex at the Rajgir Sports University.
Government Schemes
…Central and state schemes that fund training, stipends and awards for rugby athletes and academies.
Loading schemes…
All government schemes →FAQs
Common questions about rugby in India.
Who governs Rugby in India?▾
Rugby India is the recognised national federation for Rugby in India. State associations under Rugby India run age-group and state-level competition and feed the national talent pipeline.
Is Rugby an Olympic sport?▾
Yes, Rugby is on the Olympic programme. Selection for India runs through Rugby India and the international federation's ranking events, and top athletes are typically funded through TOPS.
How do I start playing Rugby in India?▾
Join a school team under SGFI, a college team under AIU, or a private academy affiliated to your state association. From there, age-group state championships and Khelo India events are the standard route into the national pipeline.
What government schemes support Rugby athletes?▾
The core schemes are Khelo India (talent development stipends, scholarships and boarding at accredited centres), TOPS (funding for elite athletes preparing for the Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games), and state-government cash awards, jobs and land grants for medallists. Federation-specific schemes may also apply.
Where can I train for Rugby?▾
Sports Authority of India (SAI) national centres of excellence, Khelo India accredited academies, state sports institutes and private academies registered with the state association are the standard training venues. The Academies section on this page lists options.
How are Indian Rugby athletes selected for international events?▾
Rugby India runs selection trials — typically the senior national championship, a dedicated trial event, or ranking-based selection — and publishes the selection policy each season. Objective criteria (times, distances, ranking points, weight-class results) dominate at the elite level.
Rugby in every state & UT
Dedicated pages for Rugby in each Indian state and Union Territory — academies, schemes, athletes and how to start.
- Rugby in Andhra Pradesh
- Rugby in Arunachal Pradesh
- Rugby in Assam
- Rugby in Bihar
- Rugby in Chhattisgarh
- Rugby in Goa
- Rugby in Gujarat
- Rugby in Haryana
- Rugby in Himachal Pradesh
- Rugby in Jharkhand
- Rugby in Karnataka
- Rugby in Kerala
- Rugby in Madhya Pradesh
- Rugby in Maharashtra
- Rugby in Manipur
- Rugby in Meghalaya
- Rugby in Mizoram
- Rugby in Nagaland
- Rugby in Odisha
- Rugby in Punjab
- Rugby in Rajasthan
- Rugby in Sikkim
- Rugby in Tamil Nadu
- Rugby in Telangana
- Rugby in Tripura
- Rugby in Uttar Pradesh
- Rugby in Uttarakhand
- Rugby in West Bengal
- Rugby in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Rugby in Chandigarh
- Rugby in Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
- Rugby in Delhi
- Rugby in Jammu & Kashmir
- Rugby in Ladakh
- Rugby in Lakshadweep
- Rugby in Puducherry