Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], January 30 (ANI): The National Rugby 15s Championship (Division 1) has kicked off at KIIT University, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha with a total of 17 teams participating in the Men's and Women's categories, including some of the biggest names from the Indian national teams.

National Rugby 15s Championship (Division 1) is being held in Bhubaneshwar with 17 teams participating in the Men's and Women's categories"Clubs form the building blocks of Rugby in India. A player's loyalty first emanates from their club and finds its fiercest avatar when playing for the nation. It gives Rugby India immense pride and satisfaction to organise three national Inter-Club 15s Rugby tournaments (Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3) for both men and women. Division 1 is the jewel in the crown and holding it at KIIT Bhubaneswar befits its status. We wish all the clubs the very best for this landmark tournament." Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India said in an official statement released by the Rugby Federation of India.

As the biggest club rugby tournament in the country, the event will also be used as an opportunity to scout the best players in the 15s format, both for the men's and the women's national teams. A total of 10 teams will be competing in the Men's category and 7 teams will be vying for the top spot in the Women's category.

The Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) is the sole governing body for the sport of Rugby in India. The IRFU, responsible for the growth and development of the sport of Rugby across the country, is recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt. of India and is a full member of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) and World Rugby. (ANI)