Defending champions Odisha RC and Future Hope Harlequins secured their spots in the women’s final of the National Rugby 15s Championship 2026 – Division 1 after two intense semi-finals held at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.
In the first semi-final, Odisha RC edged out the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club (CC&FC) with a narrow 24-22 victory. The home team started strong, leading 19-3 at halftime, thanks to tries from Arati Murmu, Sanjukta Munda, and Poonam Singh, along with additional points from Sumitra Nayak. However, CC&FC rallied in the second half, with Debasri Ghosh, Sumandeep Kaur, and Teena scoring tries, while Latisha Madhu Khedekar added crucial points. Despite CC&FC’s late surge, Odisha RC managed to hold on for the win and advance to the final.
The second semi-final featured Future Hope Harlequins, who mounted a significant comeback to defeat Delhi Hurricanes Women 17-10. Delhi Hurricanes started strong, scoring early tries through Isha and Anjali. However, the Harlequins responded with determination, as Namista Oraon, Tanuja Oraon, and Lachmi Oraon led the comeback. Lachmi also contributed with a conversion, helping the Harlequins overturn the deficit and secure the victory.
In the Plate Final, Chandigarh United triumphed over Rugby Warriors Kerala with a score of 10-0, securing a fifth-place finish in the tournament.
The Women’s Final will see defending champions Odisha RC face off against Future Hope Harlequins on March 12, while CC&FC and Delhi Hurricanes will compete in the third-place playoff earlier in the day.
Attention now shifts to the Men’s semi-finals on Wednesday, where Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) will take on Delhi Hurricanes at 6:30 PM, followed by Bombay Gymkhana facing Future Hope Harlequins at 8:00 PM.
Organised by the Indian Rugby Football Union with support from the Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha, and the Odisha Rugby Football Association, the National Rugby 15s Championship is the biggest club rugby tournament in the country, providing a crucial platform for emerging talent and strengthening the pathway to the national team.
