The Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU), in collaboration with the Uttarakhand Government and the Uttarakhand Rugby Association, proudly announces the 10th edition of the Junior National Rugby 7s Championship 2025 for Under-18 Boys and Girls. The tournament will be held at the Ganga Athletics Stadium, Maharana Pratap Sports University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
The Girls’ Championship will take place on 8th and 9th July, followed by the U18 Boys’ Championship on 12th and 13th July. With over 600 players expected from across the country, the tournament will bring together India’s brightest young rugby talent from 27 states in the dynamic and fast-paced Sevens format.
Mr. Rahul Bose, President, Indian Rugby Football Union, said: “The Junior Nationals is more than a tournament; it’s a close assessment of potential. Every sprint, every tackle, every try that will take place here will serve as an indication of the potential for the growth of high quality rugby in India. We’re proud to bring this championship to Dehradun, a city with natural sporting energy and a stunning setting for all sport.”
Participating teams have been grouped based on national rankings and will compete in a league-cum-knockout format. The top 16 teams from the pool stage will advance to the knockouts, while the remaining teams will play placing matches to determine final standings.
This year’s championship also marks a return to a familiar venue for Indian rugby fans. The Maharana Pratap Sports Complex recently hosted the Rugby 7s competition at the National Games 2025, where Haryana and Odisha were crowned champions in the men’s and women’s categories respectively – adding further credibility to Dehradun as an emerging destination for rugby fans.
In the Junior Nationals, Bihar and Odisha have led the charge over recent years. Bihar made history with double gold in 2022 and at the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, while Odisha captured the girls’ title in 2023 and the boys’ crown in 2024. Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Delhi are also expected to challenge for top honours.
Shri Amit Sinha, Special Principal Secretary Sports, Government of Uttarakhand, added, “Hosting the Junior National Rugby 7s Championship aligns with our broader vision of positioning Uttarakhand as a centre for excellence in sports. We believe such platforms not only empower young athletes but also lay the foundation for a stronger sporting ecosystem across the nation.”
Suryakant Saini, President of Uttarakhand Rugby Association commented, “For a growing rugby state like ours, hosting the Junior Nationals is a landmark moment. It’s a chance to not only welcome the best young talent in India, but also to build excitement and belief in the sport among players, parents, and local communities across Uttarakhand. It will not only motivate our young athletes but also help rugby gain momentum at the school and district levels across the state.”
The Junior National Rugby 7s Championship 2025 continues to be a cornerstone of Rugby India’s long-term vision – spotlighting emerging talent, strengthening state-level systems, and preparing the next generation to represent India on the continental and global stage. All matches will be streamed live on Rugby India’s official YouTube channel.