On a day that coincided with International Women’s Day, the Women’s National Rugby 15s Championship Division 1 exploded into action at Kalinga Stadium, as Future Hope Harlequins and CC&FC showcased ruthless dominance with shutout quarter-final triumphs.
Future Hope Harlequins opened the championship in style, dismantling Chandigarh United 66-0 in a one-sided display of attacking flair and defensive solidity. Suman Oraon was the standout performer, amassing 30 points through a combination of tries and conversions, while Chanda Oraon added 10 points. Riya Oraon chipped in with 7 points, and further contributions from Lachmi Oraon and Nirjala Oraon sealed a flawless team effort that highlighted the side’s depth and precision.
In the day’s second quarter-final, CC&FC from Kolkata unleashed an even more devastating performance, overwhelming Rugby Warriors – Kerala 84-0. Latisha Madhu Khedekar led the charge with 27 points, supported by Jeena S (15 points) and Palak Poddar (10 points). Tries and points flowed from Dona Shaji, Priyanka R, Sara Yusuf Khan, Nimisha Deepak Shetye, Sneha Surendran, Rashi, and Athira K P, as CC&FC maintained a clean sheet while posting one of the tournament’s most emphatic scorelines.
The matches underscored the growing strength and competitiveness of women’s rugby in India, with both winning teams demonstrating clinical finishing and unyielding defence.
The day also featured the official opening ceremony of the championship, graced by key dignitaries from the Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha, and Rugby India. The tournament was formally declared open by Bhupendra Singh Poonia, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha. Other notable attendees included Bijaya Kumar Swain, OAS, Additional Secretary, Department of Sports & Youth Services; Sanaya Mehta Vyas, Vice President, Rugby India; Gerald Prabhu, Honorary Secretary, Rugby India; and officers Dhiroj Kumar Pattanayak and Sashwat Kumar Raut from the Government of Odisha.
Action shifts to the men’s competition on Monday at Kalinga Stadium. The losing teams from the opening day—Odisha Rugby Club and Delhi Rebels—will clash in a Plate qualifier for a spot in the 5th-10th place final. Meanwhile, the remaining quarter-finals pit Delhi Hurricanes against Bangalore Rugby Club, and Future Hope Harlequins against Sergeant Institute Rugby Club, with winners advancing to Wednesday’s semi-finals.
The National Rugby 15s Championship Division 1 continues to highlight India’s premier club rugby talent until March 13.
