The NZ Māori U20 Invitational Sevens Tour to India, scheduled from 21 to 30 October 2026, will bring young rugby talent from New Zealand and India together for an exciting sporting and cultural exchange. Hosted across Kolkata and Rajgir, Bihar, the tour aims to strengthen international rugby connections, promote teamwork and provide young athletes with valuable opportunities to learn from one another.
A Joint Sporting Journey Begins
The New Zealand contingent comprises 24 players representing the Tama Toa and Hine Toa teams, with 12 players in each squad, supported by six management personnel. India will participate with 32 players, including 16 boys and 16 girls, alongside an eight-member management team. The New Zealand team will arrive in Kolkata on 21 October before travelling to Rajgir the following day. The Indian contingent will also assemble in Rajgir, where a joint team dinner will mark the beginning of the programme.
Training Sessions and Competitive Matches in Rajgir
From 23 October, both teams will participate in structured training sessions covering fitness, field skills and pool training at the Bihar Police Academy and Rajgir Sports Complex. The programme will provide players with opportunities to develop their technical abilities, improve coordination and understand different approaches to the game.
Competitive fixtures will take place on 24 and 25 October, followed by joint training on 26 October. A major highlight is scheduled for 27 October, when the India and New Zealand U20 teams will face each other in boys’, girls’ and mixed rugby matches at Rajgir Sports Complex from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm. These fixtures will showcase emerging talent and encourage greater participation in rugby across genders.
Cultural Exchange and Community Engagement
Beyond competition, the tour places strong emphasis on cultural learning and community involvement. The visiting contingent will explore the historic Nalanda Ruins on 26 October, offering an opportunity to experience Bihar’s rich educational and cultural heritage. On 28 October, the teams will review their performances and exchange insights before visiting Nawada Rugby School to interact with the local rugby community. A joint dinner will provide another opportunity to strengthen friendships.
The tour will conclude with the teams travelling towards Kolkata on 29 October, followed by international travel through Singapore. The New Zealand contingent is scheduled to arrive in Auckland on 30 October.
Overall, the NZ Māori U20 Invitational Sevens Tour represents more than a series of rugby matches. It is an opportunity to nurture young athletes, encourage cultural understanding and build lasting sporting partnerships between India and New Zealand.
| Date | Location | Key Activities | Accommodation / Travel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, 21 October | Christchurch to Kolkata (via Singapore) | New Zealand team departs Christchurch at 11:50 AM (SQ298) and arrives in Kolkata at 10:35 PM (SQ516). | Hyatt Regency Kolkata |
| Thursday, 22 October | Kolkata / Bhubaneswar to Rajgir (via Patna) | NZ team flies from Kolkata to Patna at 10:45 AM (6E713), arriving at 11:55 AM. Indian team flies from Bhubaneswar at 11:00 AM (6E6485), arriving in Patna at 12:15 PM. Both teams travel onward to Rajgir. Joint team dinner at 7:30 PM. | Rajgir Residency |
| Friday, 23 October | Rajgir | 9:00–10:30 AM: India teams’ gym session. 9:30–10:30 AM: NZ teams’ pool session. 10:30–11:30 AM: NZ teams’ gym session. 10:30 AM–12:15 PM: India teams’ field session. 4:00–5:30 PM: India boys’ field session. 4:00–5:00 PM: India girls’ pool session. 7:00 PM: Cultural exchange followed by dinner. | Rajgir Residency |
| Saturday, 24 October | Rajgir | 8:15–9:30 AM: NZ teams’ field session. 9:30–11:30 AM: India teams’ field session. NZ pool session (time to be confirmed). 6:00–8:00 PM: India–New Zealand matches. | Rajgir Residency |
| Sunday, 25 October | Rajgir | 7:45–9:30 AM: NZ teams’ field session. NZ pool session (time to be confirmed). 5:00–7:30 PM: India–New Zealand matches. | Rajgir Residency |
| Monday, 26 October | Rajgir / Nalanda | 8:30 AM: Departure for Nalanda Ruins. 9:00–10:30 AM: Guided tour. 10:30–11:00 AM: Return journey. 5:00–6:30 PM: Joint India–NZ U20 teams’ training. | Rajgir Residency |
| Tuesday, 27 October | Rajgir | 5:00–7:30 PM: Live match event at Rajgir Sports Complex, featuring India vs NZ boys, India vs NZ girls and mixed matches. | Rajgir Residency |
| Wednesday, 28 October | Rajgir / Nawada | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM: Joint game review and sharing of insights. 3:30 PM: Visit to Nawada Rugby School for interaction with the local rugby community. 7:00 PM onwards: Joint dinner. | Rajgir Residency |
| Thursday, 29 October | Rajgir to Kolkata (via Patna) | Indian team departs Rajgir for Patna at 4:00 AM. NZ team departs at 7:30 AM and flies from Patna to Kolkata at 12:10 PM (6E663). 3:00–6:00 PM: Lunch and leisure time in Kolkata. 7:30 PM: Arrival at Kolkata Airport. NZ flight departs Kolkata at 11:40 PM (SQ517). | Lunch and relaxation arrangements in Kolkata by IRFU |
| Friday, 30 October | Singapore to Auckland | New Zealand team departs Singapore at 8:45 AM (SQ281) and arrives in Auckland at 11:35 PM. | Tour concludes |
Tour Delegation
| Team | Players | Management | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 24 (12 Tama Toa and 12 Hine Toa) | 6 | 30 |
| India | 32 (16 boys and 16 girls) | 8 | 40 |
| Total | 56 | 14 | 70 |
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