Rajgir is set to host a historic India-New Zealand U20 Rugby Series, bringing young rugby players from both countries to Bihar as part of the 100 Years of Unity through Sport initiative, celebrating a century of sporting ties between India and New Zealand, ANI reported. The series will take place from October 23 to 28 at the Rajgir Sports Complex.
Source: ANI via Devdiscourse
Both Indian U20 squads and the visiting New Zealand teams have arrived in Rajgir ahead of the series and received a traditional welcome at Patna Airport, Latestly reported. The teams will take part in joint training sessions and cultural exchanges leading up to the matches on October 27.
Source: ANI via Latestly
First U20 tour of its kind
The visiting New Zealand squads, Tama Toa (men's) and Hine Toa (women's), comprise 24 young Maori players selected from across New Zealand. Their visit marks the first time New Zealand's U20 rugby teams have travelled to India for a series of this nature.
The series will culminate on October 27 with four Rugby Sevens matches at the Rajgir Sports Complex — a men's match and a women's match between India and New Zealand, followed by two mixed matches bringing players from both countries together as teammates.
October 23-28 at Rajgir Sports Complex; four Sevens matches on October 27; 24 Maori U20 players in the New Zealand squads Tama Toa and Hine Toa.
Rajgir has emerged as an important venue for rugby in India, having hosted the Senior National Rugby Championships in April 2026 and the Asia Rugby Emirates U-20 Championship in August 2025.