Rajgir, Bihar, is set to host the inaugural India-New Zealand U20 Rugby Series from 23 to 28 October 2026 at the Rajgir Sports Complex, marking a century of sporting ties between the two nations under the 100 Years of Unity through Sport initiative. The series represents the first time New Zealand's under-20 rugby teams have toured India, making Rajgir the backdrop for a landmark moment in bilateral sport.

Teams and Arrivals

Both the Indian U20 squads and the visiting New Zealand contingent have arrived in Rajgir ahead of the series. The New Zealand delegation received a traditional welcome at Patna Airport on arrival in Bihar. The visiting squads — Tama Toa (men's team) and Hine Toa (women's team) — comprise 24 young Māori players drawn from across New Zealand. The teams are scheduled to participate in joint training sessions and cultural exchanges leading up to the matches on 27 October.

Match Schedule and Format

The series culminates on 27 October with four Rugby Sevens matches at the Rajgir Sports Complex. The programme features a men's contest between India and New Zealand, followed by a women's match, and then two mixed matches in which players from both countries will compete as combined teammates — an unusual format that underlines the series' collaborative spirit. This cross-national team format is among the more distinctive elements of the event, blending competition with partnership.

Rajgir's Growing Rugby Pedigree

Rajgir has steadily established itself as a significant rugby venue in India. The city hosted the Senior National Rugby Championships in April 2026 and the Asia Rugby Emirates U-20 Championship in August 2025. The India-New Zealand series adds another international milestone to that record. Raveendran Sankaran, IPS, Director General-cum-CEO of the Bihar State Sports Authority, said: 'Rajgir hosting the India-New Zealand U20 Rugby Series is a proud moment for Bihar and reflects the state's growing role in hosting major sporting events. Welcoming young players from both countries provides an opportunity to strengthen international sporting ties, encourage cultural exchange and inspire more young people in Bihar to take up rugby.'

What Officials Said

Rahul Bose, President of the Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU), highlighted the historical resonance of the series: '100 years ago, New Zealand and India created history, establishing sporting ties between the two nations. Today, 100 years later, history will be created again with the first-ever New Zealand rugby team to visit Indian shores. For our young players, the opportunity to compete against New Zealand opposition on home soil will provide valuable exposure to the best practices in international rugby and provide impetus to their development.'

Manu Albert, Head of the New Zealand Rugby delegation and Injury Prevention Wellbeing Programme Manager, added: 'We're looking forward to celebrating 100 years of sport uniting our two countries, helping Rugby India grow Sevens, and sharing our rugby knowledge, but equally to sharing our cultures and developing a lasting relationship through sport.'

Building on a Broader Partnership

The Rajgir series is the latest step in a deepening rugby partnership between the two countries. In May 2026, Rugby India hosted New Zealand Rugby coaches at Odisha's Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar for coaching workshops that involved 35 Indian coaches. The current series extends that collaboration to the playing level, bringing structured competition and cultural exchange under one programme. With Indian rugby's international profile growing and Bihar cementing its role as a host state, the Rajgir series is a marker of how far the sport has travelled in India.