Bhubaneswar,Odisha,march 11 [ADN] Defending champions Delhi Hurricanes and Bombay Gymkhana Rugby Club booked their places in the Men’s Final of the National Rugby 15s Championship 2026 – Division 1 after contrasting semi-final victories at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.
In the first semi-final, defending champions Delhi Hurricanes delivered a dominant performance to defeat Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) 83-0, showcasing their attacking depth and clinical finishing. Mannu Tanwar, Abhishek Shukla (two tries), Hitesh Dagar (two tries), Bharat, Sourabh Dubal, Bhupendra Bokan, Monu, and Vansh Kumar all crossed the line, while Deepak Kumar Punia and Aniket added valuable points with the boot as the Hurricanes stormed into the final.
The second semi-final saw a closely contested battle between Bombay Gymkhana and Future Hope Harlequins, with the Mumbai side edging out a 13-3 victory. Aniket Santosh Kevane scored the decisive try for Bombay Gymkhana, while Rayomand Dadabhoy Unwala added crucial points with the boot to seal the win. Future Hope Harlequins’ points came through a penalty conversion from Akash Balmiki.
Earlier in the day, the Plate Semi-Finals saw Bangalore RC register a 26-0 victory over Rebels RC. Arvinjit Oinam led the scoring effort, while Ghana Shyam Chetry and Akhil A also crossed the line in a commanding performance.
In the other Plate Semi-Final, Calcutta Cricket and Football Club (CC&FC) defeated Sergeant Institute Rugby Club 13-3. Harvinder Singh scored a try, while Denzil Fredrick Dsilva contributed with the boot to guide CC&FC into the Plate Final. Sergeant Institute’s points came through Anupam Bhengra.
Attention will first turn to the Women’s Finals Day on Thursday, where defending champions Odisha RC will take on Future Hope Harlequins in the Women’s Final, while CC&FC and Delhi Hurricanes will face off in the third-place playoff.
The tournament will then conclude on Friday, March 13, with the Men’s Final between Delhi Hurricanes and Bombay Gymkhana, while KISS and Future Hope Harlequins will compete in the third-place playoff. The Plate Final will see Bangalore Rugby Club take on CC&FC while Rebels RC & Sergeant Institute will clash to finish seventh.
Organised by the Indian Rugby Football Union with the support of the Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha and the Odisha Rugby Football Association, the National Rugby 15s Championship remains the biggest club rugby tournament in the country, providing a vital platform for emerging talent and strengthening the pathway to the national team.
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