Profile

Rugby India, founded in 1998, is the sole governing body for the sport of Rugby in India. Recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sport, Govt. of India, Rugby India is a full member of World Rugby, Asia Rugby and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The body is responsible for the growth & development of the sport of Rugby across the country from the grassroots to the high-performance level.

IRFU is the sole governing body of all formats of the sport of Rugby in India for all genders and ages. The formats included are as follows: Rugby Union, Fifteen-a-Side Rugby, Seven-a-Side Rugby, 10-a-Side Rugby, 12-a-Side Rugby, Touch Rugby, Non-Contact Rugby – Tag Rugby, Flag Rugby, Beach Rugby, Snow Rugby, Wheelchair Rugby, Underwater Rugby.

Rugby has been included in the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) for all age-groups (U14, U17 & U19 boys & girls) and the National University Games for both Men & Women, under the aegis of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), The sport is also a part of the Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) and played by the Paramilitary & Police Forces.

For ease of functioning and development, geographically, the IRFU consists of 27-member State Associations and Units, each of which are responsible to promote and grow the sport in their respective states and units.

History and Origin

1871
Rugby Football was played in Calcutta and Madras.
1872
First recorded match between England and Combined team from Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
1872
First recorded tournament – CALCUTTA CUP.
1924
Established the All India & South Asia Rugby Tournament.
1998
First National 15s team (Men) played their first international match in Singapore.
1999
World Rugby & Asia Rugby membership.
1999
First National 7s team (Men) played their first international match in Sri Lanka.
2001
Indian Rugby Football Union was incorporated.
2004
National 15s Men’s Team won the first international match against Pakistan in Hong Kong.
2006
Indian Men’s team qualified for the Asian Games.
2009
First National 7s team (Women) was formed.
2010
Men’s Team qualified for the Commonwealth Games / Indian Men & Women’s team both qualified for the Asian Games.
2012
Indian Men’s team (15s) won the Gold Medal at the Asia Rugby Division-3 Championship.
2019
Indian Women’s team won the first international Match against Singapore in Manila, Philippines.
2021
The National U18 Girls team won the Silver Medal at the Asia Rugby U18 Championship in Uzbekistan
2022
The Senior National Women’s team wins the Silver Medal at the Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy in Jakarta. The National U18 Girls team win the Silver Medal at the Asia Rugby U18 Championship in Kathmandu, Nepal. The National U20 Girls team win the Silver Medal at the Asia Rugby U20 Championship in Uzbekistan. Indian Men team (15’s) win Gold Medal at the Asia Rugby Division-3 South Championship in Kolkata.

Archives

Rahul Dravid x Rugby India

Watch the ever-charming, fascinating, and gentleman champion, Rahul Dravid, in a free-wheeling chat with our players and coaches sharing insightful anecdotes from his journey to becoming one of the most revered man in the world of cricket. His captivating answers to our questions will melt your heart and make you smile.

RugbyIndia360 – Nasser Hussain & Naas Botha

Rugby India CEO Nasser Hussain in conversation with Springboks legend and current Head Coach of the Indian National Rugby Team – Naas Botha

RugbyIndia360:- Vahbiz Bharucha & Hrishikesh Pendse

Vahbiz is the Indian Rugby Women’s Captain for 7s and 15s teams – a Physiotherapist by profession and Rugby Champ by Passion – a perfect example of an empowered woman amongst the idols we hold.

Rugby India 360 – Rahul Bose & Sweety Kumari

Rahul Bose in conversation with Rugby India’s speedster- Sweety Kumari

Rugby India 360 Degree Series: Rahul Bose with Mahesh Makhai

Rugby India 360 Degrees welcomes you to another series with Rahul Bose. Joining us today is Mr. Mahesh Makhai – President, Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU).