15 April 2026, Rajgir, Bihar: The State Sports Complex in Rajgir, Bihar, is set to host the Senior National Rugby Sevens Championships 2026 from 16-21 April. Teams from 27 states and union territories will compete in the Women’s category, while the Men’s category will feature 26 teams. This will be the second major rugby event hosted in Bihar in less than a year, after the State Sports Complex successfully staged the Asia Rugby U-20 7s Championship in August 2025.
Organized by the Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU / Rugby India) with support from the Government of Bihar, the Department of Sports – Govt of Bihar, the Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA), and the Bihar Rugby Football Association, the championships will see affiliated states and union territories from across the country vie for national glory while showcasing a celebration of speed, skill, teamwork and sporting excellence.
“The Senior National Rugby 7s Championships represent the very best of Indian rugby, bringing together talented players from across the country to compete at the highest level. We are delighted to bring the 2026 edition to Rajgir, a venue that has already demonstrated its ability to host major rugby events. I am confident that these championships will showcase not only the quality of our athletes, but also the growing momentum of rugby in India,” said Rahul Bose, President, IRFU.
Raveendran Sankaran, IPS, Director General of the Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA) added, “Hosting the Senior National Rugby 7s Championship 2026 in Rajgir is another important milestone for Bihar’s sporting ecosystem. After successfully staging the Asia Rugby U-20 Championship last year, we are proud to welcome the country’s best rugby players back to the State Sports Complex. We look forward to an exciting championship and to showcasing Bihar’s growing capability to host major sporting events.”
The Women’s category will open proceedings on 16-17 April, with defending champions Bihar returning after their impressive triumph in 2025, when they defeated Odisha in the final to claim their second national title. Odisha, last year’s runners-up and one of the strongest teams in Indian women’s rugby, will be eager to reclaim the crown, while bronze medallists Maharashtra will also be among the teams aiming for a strong campaign.
The Men’s category will follow on 20-21 April. Defending champions West Bengal return after winning their maiden national title in 2025, edging Haryana in a thrilling final. Haryana, one of India’s most successful rugby teams, will once again be among the strongest challengers, while bronze medallists Bihar will be determined to make the most of home advantage.
With state pride, national recognition and professional opportunities at stake, the Senior National Rugby 7s Championships 2026 promise four days of exciting and highly competitive rugby in Rajgir.