The official governing body for rugby union in India. Established in 2001, we are dedicated to promoting, developing, and managing the sport of rugby across the nation, from grassroots to elite levels.
Discover Our Mission
The Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) is the sole national governing body for rugby union in India, recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, and affiliated to World Rugby and Asia Rugby.
To establish rugby as a mainstream sport in India, creating a sustainable ecosystem that fosters excellence, inclusivity, and sportsmanship, while producing world-class athletes who can compete at the highest international levels.
We envision a future where every child in India has the opportunity to experience the values of rugby – integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline, and respect. By integrating rugby into the physical education curriculum of schools and colleges, we aim to reach over 5 million young Indians by 2030. Our long-term strategic plan focuses on infrastructure development, coaching education, and competitive pathways that cater to both the traditional 15-a-side game and the fast-paced Olympic format of Rugby Sevens.
To develop, promote, and govern the game of rugby union throughout India, ensuring its growth in participation, performance, and popularity across all states and union territories.
Our mission is executed through a multi-pronged approach: Grassroots Development via the "Get Into Rugby" program in schools and communities; High Performance through centralized training camps and support for national teams; Coach & Official Education to build a skilled workforce; Competition Structure with national championships for men, women, and youth; and Strategic Partnerships with government, corporate sponsors, and international bodies. We are committed to gender equality, with dedicated programs to increase female participation both on and off the field.
The Indian Rugby Football Union was incorporated as a not-for-profit company under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956 (now Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013) on 19th December 2001, with the Corporate Identification Number (CIN) U36939MH2001NPL132954. Our registered office is located at Flat No. 501, 5th Floor, D Wing, Neelkanth Business Park, Vidyavihar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400077.
Prior to formal incorporation, rugby in India was managed by various regional bodies. The formation of IRFU unified the administration under a single national entity, a crucial step for recognition by World Rugby (then the International Rugby Board). Since then, IRFU has been instrumental in reviving the sport's presence, notably restarting the National Rugby Championship in 2002 after a long hiatus. Key milestones include the introduction of women's rugby (2005), affiliation with the Indian Olympic Association (2009), hosting of the Asian Rugby Sevens Trophy (2014), and the launch of the professional "Rugby India Super Series" (2022).
Key Objects as per Memorandum of Association: To promote, control, develop, and regulate the game of Rugby Football in all its forms throughout India; to foster the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play; to arrange and control national and international matches and tournaments; to select and manage national teams; to train coaches, referees, and administrators; and to maintain liaison with World Rugby, Asia Rugby, the Indian Olympic Association, and the Government of India.
State Associations
Registered Players
Certified Coaches
Annual Events
The IRFU is governed by an elected Executive Committee comprising a President, Vice-Presidents, Secretary General, Treasurer, and members representing zones and key constituencies. The committee is elected every four years at the Annual General Meeting by representatives of affiliated State Rugby Unions.
Current Executive Committee (2023-2027):
The day-to-day operations are managed by a professional secretariat based in Mumbai, headed by the CEO, Mr. Rahul Kapoor.
IRFU is duly registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and complies with all regulations under the Companies Act, 2013. We are also recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as the National Sports Federation (NSF) for Rugby Union. Our financial statements are audited annually by a certified firm, and we adhere to the governance guidelines set by the World Rugby and the International Olympic Committee.
Legal Status: Company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital. (Section 8 Company). CIN: U36939MH2001NPL132954. PAN: AAATI1234L. TAN: MUMB12345F. GSTIN: 27AAATI1234L1Z5.
Proudly representing India on the international stage across multiple formats.
The flagship national team competing in the Asia Rugby Championship and World Rugby qualifying events. Currently ranked in the top 5 in Asia.
View Squad & Fixtures
A rapidly growing program aiming for qualification to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and the Olympic Games.
View Squad & Fixtures
The future of Indian rugby. This team participates in the Asia Rugby Under-20 Championship, developing talent for the senior squads.
View Squad & Fixtures
Captain, Men's 15s
Position: Fly-half
Caps: 42
Vice-Captain, Women's 7s
Position: Scrum-half
Caps: 28
Prop Forward
Men's 15s
Caps: 35
Winger
Women's 7s
Caps: 18
The premier domestic competition for the 15-a-side game, featuring state teams competing for the coveted trophy. The tournament follows a league-cum-knockout format and is held annually from November to January.
Recent Champions: Maharashtra Rhinos (2023), Delhi Hurricanes (2022), Karnataka Bulls (2021).
A franchise-based professional league for Rugby Sevens, launched in 2022. Featuring six city-based teams, the RISS aims to bring high-octane rugby to a wider audience and provide a platform for domestic talent.
Season 2 Champions: Mumbai Serpents. Upcoming: Season 3 kicks off in October 2024.
Organized in collaboration with the Association of Indian Universities, this tournament is a key talent identification platform for the national youth teams.
World Rugby's introductory program, delivered in over 500 schools across India annually. Focused on fun, safety, and core skills for children aged 6-14.
Comprehensive certification pathway from Level 1 (Community Coach) to Level 3 (Advanced Coach). Over 50 courses conducted yearly.
Training and mentoring programs for referees, touch judges, and citing commissioners to ensure high standards of match officiating.
IRFU operates four regional High Performance Centers (HPCs) in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Delhi. These centers provide world-class training facilities, sports science support, and academic linkages for identified elite athletes.
Each HPC is staffed with full-time coaches, physiotherapists, and strength & conditioning experts. The HPC program is supported by the Sports Authority of India and corporate partners under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
May 12, 2024
The Indian Women's Rugby Sevens team put on a stellar performance in Bangkok, defeating Thailand 24-19 in a thrilling bronze medal match. This marks India's first podium finish in a senior women's Asian tournament since 2018. Captain Nandini Roy was named Player of the Tournament.
April 28, 2024
A landmark Memorandum of Understanding has been signed to integrate rugby into the physical education curriculum of 10,000 Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas across the country over the next five years. This initiative aims to reach over 2 million students.
April 15, 2024
The 22nd edition of the National Rugby Championship will kick off on November 1, 2024, with 28 state teams competing. The final is scheduled for January 26, 2025, in Pune. Defending champions Maharashtra Rhinos will begin their campaign against newcomers Goa.
Flat No. 501, 5th Floor, D Wing,
Neelkanth Business Park,
Vidyavihar, Mumbai,
Maharashtra 400077, India.
General Enquiries: +91-22-1234-5678
High Performance: +91-22-1234-5679
Fax: +91-22-1234-5680
Office Hours: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM IST
General: [email protected]
Media: [email protected]
Partnerships: [email protected]
Technical: [email protected]