Odisha RC Edge Past CC&FC in Thriller
Odisha RC held their nerve to edge past Calcutta Cricket & Football Club (CC&FC) 24–22 in a thrilling first semi-final.
The hosts dominated the opening half and went into the break with a comfortable 19–3 lead. Tries from Arati Mumu, Sanjukta Munda and Poonam Singh powered the team, while Sumitra Nayak added crucial points with the boot.
CC&FC mounted a spirited comeback after halftime. Debasri Ghosh, Sumandeep Kaur and Teena crossed the line to bring the Kolkata side within touching distance. Despite the late surge, Odisha RC managed to hold on to secure a narrow 24–22 victory and advance to the final.
Bhubaneswar, March 10: Defending champions Odisha RC and Future Hope Harlequins have secured their places in the women’s final of the National Rugby 15s Championship 2026 – Division 1 after hard-fought semi-final victories at Kalinga Stadium on Tuesday.
Future Hope Harlequins Stage Comeback Win
In the second semi-final, Future Hope Harlequins produced a determined comeback to defeat Delhi Hurricanes Women 17–10.
Delhi Hurricanes started brightly with tries from Isha and Anjali, taking control in the early exchanges.
However, the Harlequins responded strongly in the second half. Namista Oraon, Tanuja Oraon and Lachmi Oraon led the fightback, with Lachmi Oraon also adding a conversion as Future Hope Harlequins overturned the deficit to seal a 17–10 victory.
Plate Final Result
Earlier in the day, Chandigarh United defeated Rugby Warriors Kerala 10–0 in the Plate Final to secure fifth place in the tournament.
Women’s Final and Upcoming Matches
The women’s final will see defending champions Odisha RC face Future Hope Harlequins on March 12. Meanwhile, CC&FC and Delhi Hurricanes will compete in the third-place playoff earlier in the day.
Focus will now shift to the men’s semi-finals on Wednesday:
- Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) vs Delhi Hurricanes – 6:30 PM
- Bombay Gymkhana vs Future Hope Harlequins – 8:00 PM
About the Tournament
The National Rugby 15s Championship, 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, remains the biggest club rugby tournament in India.
The championship provides a crucial platform for emerging rugby talent and strengthens the pathway to the national team.