Mumbai, May 15, 2026: The Indian Senior Men’s and Women’s Rugby 7s teams are set to begin their international season at the inaugural CASA 7s 2026, scheduled to take place on 16-17 May in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Officially sanctioned by Asia Rugby and World Rugby, CASA 7s marks a significant addition to the international rugby calendar for Central and South Asia. The tournament will feature seven nations, with six teams each competing in the men’s and women’s competitions, providing valuable international competition exposure across the region.
The Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) had earlier this week announced the squads for the tournament following a national coaching camp held at the SAI Netaji Subhas Eastern Centre in Kolkata from 1-14 May 2026.
The Senior Men’s Team will compete under newly appointed Head Coach Paul Albaladejo, a former French 7s international, while South African Paul Delport continues into his second year as Head Coach of the Senior Women’s Team.
Speaking on his appointment, Paul Albaladejo said, “I’m very happy to begin this new journey with Rugby India. It is an exciting challenge, and I look forward to working with the players and staff to continue developing the Senior Men’s Team while bringing my experience from the French rugby system.”
Reflecting on the tournament ahead, Paul Delport said, “We’ve identified a promising group through the Nationals, and they’ve responded well to the challenge during camp. CASA 7s will provide valuable international competition and help us identify players ready for the next level as we continue building depth within the squad.”
Rahul Bose, President, Rugby India, said, “CASA 7s is an important addition to the international calendar, giving our players valuable exposure and competitive experience against teams from across Central and South Asia. We’re confident both teams will represent India with pride in Tashkent.”
Final Squads:
Senior Men’s Team: Shivam Shukla, Karan Rajbhar, Hitesh Dagar, David Munda, Devendra Padir, Vallabh Patil, Ganesh Majhi, Jugal Majhi, Amritpal Singh, Rajan Rawat, Akash Balmiki, Sumit Kumar Roy
Senior Women’s Team: Parbati Hansdah, Chanel Crizzle, Arati Murmu, Athira K P, Lavanya Adusumalli, Mahak, Muskan Piploda, Rima Oraon, Anshika, Suman Oraon, Sweety Kumari, Tanushree Bhosale
India’s Schedule at CASA 7s 2026:
| Men | Women | |
| Day 1 – May 16
|
9:30 AM – India vs Uzbekistan 12:50 PM – India vs Kyrgyzstan 2:55 PM – India vs Mongolia |
10:45 AM – India vs Uzbekistan 2:05 PM – India vs Kazakhstan 4:10 PM – India vs Kyrgyzstan |
| Day 2 – May 17
|
9:55 AM – India vs Pakistan 12:50 PM – India vs Sri Lanka Final ranking match – TBC |
11:10 AM – India vs Mongolia 2:05 PM – India vs Sri Lanka Final ranking match – TBC |