Colombo, 17 October 2025: Following an encouraging debut at the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series (ARESS) in Hangzhou, China, the Indian Senior Women’s Rugby Team is ready to take the next step in their continental journey as Leg 2 kicks off in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 18 October 2025.
Drawn in Pool D, India will face UAE (9:00 AM IST), Indonesia (1:24 PM IST), and Japan (6:10 PM IST) in what promises to be an exciting day of rugby action. Leg 1 winners Japan enter the tournament on a high after their remarkable 24-19 comeback win over hosts China in the Leg 1 final – a performance that underlined the intensity and unpredictability of this year’s competition.
For India, the debut in Hangzhou was more than just a first appearance, it was a statement of intent. Competing against higher-ranked teams, the squad showcased determination, structure, and composure well beyond their experience. Their 6th-place finish, after entering ranked 10th, marked a significant leap forward and captured the attention of Asia’s rugby community.
Head Coach Paul Delport described the opening leg as a “massive step in the right direction” for Indian Rugby. Beyond the results, it was the confidence, cohesion, and self-belief gained from the campaign that stood out as the biggest success.
“Coming in ranked 10th and finishing 6th exceeded expectations,” Delport said. “The biggest takeaway was the confidence the team gained from being competitive at that level and getting a couple of wins (against Philippines and UAE.”
As the focus now shifts to Colombo, the team has used the intervening period to sharpen both its technical and tactical edge. The players have worked intensively on improving contact efficiency – focusing on breakdown speed, body positioning, and ball placement – while also fine-tuning their attacking alignment and depth.
The preparation has been notably collaborative, with players actively participating in match analysis and strategic discussions. Delport highlighted that this approach has fostered ownership and accountability within the group.
“There’s been greater emphasis on planning for specific opponents like UAE, Indonesia, and Japan,” he explained. “What’s been great is that the players themselves have been deeply involved in the analysis and game planning.”
Heading into Colombo, the Indian camp carries quiet confidence and a clear sense of purpose. The foundation built in Hangzhou – both in performance and in mindset – will serve as a launchpad as the team looks to challenge stronger opponents and consolidate its place among Asia’s rising rugby nations.
The players have shown consistent growth in their on-field execution and off-field professionalism, reflecting the broader progress of Indian Rugby on the international stage. With lessons learned, systems strengthened, and belief growing stronger, India’s Senior Women are poised to make another powerful statement when they take the field this weekend.