About Rugby Football Union of India
The Rugby Football Union of India (RFUI) is the national governing body for rugby union in India, recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, and affiliated with World Rugby and Asia Rugby. Established in 1968, RFUI has been at the forefront of developing and promoting rugby across the country, from grassroots levels to elite international competitions.
Based in New Delhi, RFUI oversees all aspects of rugby in India, including men's and women's national teams, youth programs, coaching education, referee development, and domestic tournaments. Our mission is to foster a vibrant rugby community that embodies values of integrity, respect, solidarity, passion, and discipline.
India has a rich history in rugby, with the sport being introduced during the British colonial era. Today, rugby is growing rapidly, with over 50,000 registered players and more than 300 clubs nationwide. RFUI is committed to expanding this footprint, particularly in schools and universities, to identify and nurture young talent.
We work closely with state associations, sports authorities, and international bodies to ensure that Indian rugby achieves global competitiveness. Our strategic plan focuses on infrastructure development, high-performance training, and increasing participation among women and underserved communities.
RFUI is also active in promoting rugby as a tool for social change, using the sport to empower youth, promote gender equality, and build life skills. Through partnerships with NGOs and corporate sponsors, we run community outreach programs that make rugby accessible to all.
Our Vision
To make rugby a mainstream sport in India and to see the national teams consistently compete at the highest international levels, inspiring a generation of players and fans.
Our Mission
To develop, promote, and govern rugby union throughout India by providing opportunities for participation, excellence, and enjoyment for all, regardless of age, gender, or background.
Our Values
Integrity, Respect, Solidarity, Passion, and Discipline – core principles that guide our actions and define the spirit of rugby in India.
Governance & Structure
RFUI operates under a robust governance framework to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective management. The organization is led by an elected Executive Committee, which includes a President, Secretary, Treasurer, and members representing various regions and stakeholders. The committee is supported by sub-committees focused on specific areas such as finance, competitions, coaching, and medical affairs.
We adhere to the National Sports Development Code of India and comply with all regulations set by World Rugby and Asia Rugby. Our governance model emphasizes inclusivity, with representation from state rugby associations, players, coaches, and referees.
Key Leadership
- President: Mr. Rajesh Verma (Former Indian rugby captain and sports administrator)
- Secretary: Ms. Priya Singh (Sports management expert with 20+ years experience)
- Treasurer: Mr. Amit Khanna (Chartered accountant and rugby enthusiast)
- Director of High Performance: Mr. John Pereira (Former international coach)
- Director of Development: Ms. Anjali Mehta (Grassroots rugby advocate)
Affiliations & Recognitions
- Full member of World Rugby (since 1999)
- Member of Asia Rugby (formerly Asian Rugby Football Union)
- Recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt. of India
- Affiliated with the Indian Olympic Association
- Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860
RFUI holds annual general meetings where members review financial reports, approve strategic plans, and elect office bearers. We publish annual reports and financial statements on our website to maintain public trust. Our governance practices have been commended by international bodies for their rigor and commitment to ethical standards.
National Teams
RFUI fields national teams across multiple categories, representing India in international competitions. Our teams are selected through rigorous trials and training camps, with a focus on developing world-class athletes.
Men's Senior Team
The flagship team competes in Asia Rugby Championship and World Rugby qualifying events. Current ranking in Asia: 6th. Key achievements: Silver medal at 2019 South Asian Games.
View Schedule
Women's Senior Team
Rapidly improving team that won bronze at the 2022 Asia Rugby Women's Championship. Focused on qualifying for Rugby World Cup 2025.
Meet the Players
U20 & U18 Teams
Youth development pipelines that feed into senior teams. Regular participation in Asian Youth Championships and exchange programs.
Youth ProgramsOur teams train at the National Rugby Academy in Sonepat, Haryana, which features modern facilities including a full-size pitch, gym, and sports science center. We employ international coaches and support staff to ensure optimal preparation. Player welfare is paramount, with comprehensive medical insurance, nutrition plans, and mental health support.
Events & Tournaments
RFUI organizes and sanctions numerous domestic and international events throughout the year. These competitions are vital for talent identification, fan engagement, and promoting the sport.
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Rugby Championship | October 2023 | New Delhi | Premier domestic tournament featuring top state teams. Winner qualifies for Asia Rugby Club competition. |
| All India University Rugby Tournament | February 2024 | Bengaluru | Inter-university championship with over 50 participating institutions. |
| Junior National League | April 2024 | Multiple cities | U18 competition held across zones, culminating in a national final. |
| Women's Rugby Fest | March 2024 | Mumbai | Festival promoting women's rugby with matches, workshops, and outreach. |
| International Test Match vs Sri Lanka | July 2024 | Kolkata | Home test match as part of Asia Rugby Championship. |
We also host coaching clinics, referee certification courses, and fan zones during major events. RFUI partners with broadcasters to ensure live coverage of key matches, expanding our reach to millions of viewers. Tickets for events can be purchased online through our official portal.
Development Programs
RFUI is committed to growing rugby at all levels through structured development initiatives. Our programs target schools, colleges, communities, and elite pathways.
School Rugby
"Get Into Rugby" program introduced in 500+ schools across 20 states. Provides equipment, teacher training, and inter-school competitions. Aims to engage 100,000 schoolchildren annually.
Coaching Education
World Rugby-accredited coaching courses from Level 1 to Level 3. Over 2,000 certified coaches in India. Continuous professional development through workshops and online modules.
Referee Development
Comprehensive referee training and mentorship. Regular assessments and opportunities to officiate in domestic and international matches. Currently 150 active referees.
Infrastructure Projects
RFUI is working with state governments to develop rugby-specific facilities. Recent projects include the Rugby Stadium in Bhubaneswar (capacity 5,000) and the North-East Rugby Centre in Guwahati. We also provide grants to clubs for pitch maintenance and equipment.
Women in Rugby
Special focus on increasing female participation through scholarships, safe spaces, and leadership programs. Our "Rugby Her" initiative aims to double women's rugby involvement by 2025.
Funding for development comes from government grants, corporate sponsorships, and World Rugby subsidies. We are transparent about fund utilization, with detailed reports available to stakeholders.
Latest News
India Men's Team Secures Historic Win Against Chinese Taipei
September 15, 2023 | Match Report
In a thrilling Asia Rugby Championship match, the Indian men's senior team defeated Chinese Taipei 24-19 at the Kalinga Stadium. Tries by Arjun Singh and Rohan Mehta, along with accurate kicking by fly-half Vikram Patel, secured the victory. This win boosts India's ranking and sets a positive tone for the upcoming season. Coach John Pereira praised the team's defensive resilience and set-piece execution. The match attracted over 8,000 spectators, indicating growing popularity. Post-match, players conducted a rugby clinic for local children, emphasizing community engagement.
Read MoreRFUI Launches Digital Academy for Remote Coaching
August 28, 2023 | Development
To overcome geographical barriers, RFUI has launched an online Digital Academy offering free coaching resources, video tutorials, and virtual sessions. The platform already has 5,000 registered users from remote areas. Features include skill drills, tactical analysis, and fitness programs tailored to Indian conditions. This initiative aligns with our goal of making rugby accessible to all. Partnerships with ed-tech companies ensure high-quality content. Feedback from coaches in rural regions has been overwhelmingly positive, citing increased player engagement.
Explore AcademyNew Delhi to Host 2024 Asia Rugby U19 Championship
July 10, 2023 | Event Announcement
Asia Rugby has awarded hosting rights for the 2024 U19 Championship to India. The tournament will be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in October 2024, featuring teams from Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and others. This is a significant milestone for Indian rugby, showcasing our organizational capabilities. RFUI is working with local authorities to ensure world-class arrangements. Expected economic impact is estimated at ₹50 crore, with substantial media coverage. Ticket sales will open in early 2024.
Event DetailsFor more news, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media. We publish weekly updates, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes content.
Contact Us
Get in Touch
We welcome inquiries from players, coaches, sponsors, media, and fans. Reach out to us through the following channels.
Head Office: Plot No. 15, Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110003, India
Phone: +91-11-24612345 (10 AM to 6 PM IST, Monday to Friday)
Fax: +91-11-24612346
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.025nm.com
Regional Offices
- Mumbai: Sports Complex, Andheri East | Phone: +91-22-26789012
- Kolkata: Rugby House, Salt Lake | Phone: +91-33-24567890
- Chennai: Athletic Association, Nungambakkam | Phone: +91-44-23456789