Haka in Bihar: New Zealand U20 team steals the show in U20 rugby sevens

Haka has arrived in Bihar! The New Zealand Under-20 men’s rugby team dominated the show in Rajgir with a performance of the iconic Maori ceremonial dance that brought a strong expression of culture, pride and identity to the India-New Zealand rugby sevens international series.

The performance at the Rajgir Sports Complex offered a glimpse into the tradition closely associated with New Zealand rugby. Known for its energetic movements, rhythmic chanting and intense expressions, the haka is an important part of Maori culture and is famously performed by New Zealand rugby teams before matches.

The Haka is echoing in India! A powerful expression of Mori culture, pride and identity as the New Zealand Under-20 men’s team brings the Haka to Rajgir, Bihar. #RugbyIndia #NZRugby #IndNZ100 Rugby India (@RugbyIndia) October 27, 2026

New Zealand’s young players carried that tradition to the Indian sporting venue as the two countries met in a series marking 100 years of bilateral sporting relations. Video of the performance captured the team passing the Haka in Rajgir, giving local spectators the chance to witness one of rugby’s most famous pre-match rituals.

BIHAR CM LAUNCHES TOURNAMENT

The India-New Zealand under-20 international rugby sevens series was inaugurated by Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary at the Rajgir Sports Complex in Nalanda district on Tuesday. The tournament is being held from October 23 to 28 at the State Sports Academy in Rajgir.

The series is the first visit of the New Zealand under-20 rugby teams to India for an event of this nature. It is also part of efforts to strengthen sports ties between the two countries and promote rugby in Bihar.

Choudhary said the event is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for sports and will help deepen the sporting relationship between India and New Zealand, according to a statement from the chief minister’s office.

Players from both countries met the Chief Minister and introduced themselves before the matches. Choudhary also unveiled the jerseys with the signatures of the representatives of both the countries.

Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, Bihar Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh, Acting High Commissioner to India Matthew Ayres of New Zealand, Principal Secretary Pratyaya Amrit and Director General of Police Preeta Verma were among those who attended the event.

INDIA WOMEN RICH NEW ZEALAND MEN LOSE

There was plenty of action on the pitch as well. The Indian Under-20 Women’s team recorded a 17-0 win over New Zealand, while the New Zealand Men’s team defeated India 32-0.

Two mixed team exhibition matches were also held, with Indian and New Zealand players sharing the same rosters to celebrate the centenary of sporting relations between the countries.

While the results gave the series a competitive edge, the Haka offered an unforgettable cultural moment in Rajgir.

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