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

New Zealand's Under-20 rugby players brought a powerful display of Maori tradition to Rajgir, giving Bihar a taste of one of the sport's most recognisable rituals. Their Haka was a standout moment in a series celebrating 100 years of sporting ties between India and New Zealand.Representational image of New Zealand rugby team doing Haka. (Reuters Photo)New Delhi,Oct 28, 2026 08:56 ISTThe Haka has arrived in Bihar! New Zealand’s Under-20 men’s rugby team stole the show in Rajgir with a performance of the iconic Maori ceremonial dance, bringing a powerful expression of culture, pride and identity to the India-New Zealand U20 International Rugby Sevens Series.The performance at the Rajgir Sports Complex offered a glimpse of a tradition closely associated with New Zealand rugby. The Haka, known for its forceful movements, rhythmic chanting and intense expressions, is an important part of Maori culture and is famously performed by New Zealand rugby teams before matches.The Haka echoes in India! A powerful expression of Mori culture, pride and identity as the New Zealand U20 Men's team brings the Haka to Rajgir, Bihar. #RugbyIndia #NZRugby #IndNZ100 https://t.co/4eUjS9JHWJ— Rugby India (@RugbyIndia) October 27, 2026The young New Zealand players brought that tradition to an Indian sporting venue as the two countries came together for a series marking 100 years of bilateral sporting relations. A video of the performance captured the team delivering the Haka in Rajgir, giving local spectators a chance to witness one of rugby’s most recognisable pre-match rituals.BIHAR CM INAUGURATES TOURNAMENTThe India-New Zealand Under-20 International Rugby Sevens Series was inaugurated by Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday at the Rajgir Sports Complex in Nalanda district. The tournament is being held from October 23 to 28 at the State Sports Academy in Rajgir. The series marks the first visit to India by New Zealand’s Under-20 rugby teams for an event of this kind. It is also part of efforts to strengthen sporting ties between the two countries and promote rugby in Bihar.Choudhary said the event aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for sports and would 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 before the matches and introduced themselves. Choudhary also unveiled jerseys bearing the signatures of representatives from the two countries.Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, Bihar Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh, New Zealand acting High Commissioner to India Matthew Ayres, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit and Director General of Police Preeta Verma were among those present at the event.INDIA WOMEN BEAT NEW ZEALAND, MEN LOSEThere was plenty of action on the field as well. India’s 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 organised, with Indian and New Zealand players sharing the same rosters to celebrate the centenary of sporting relations between the countries.While the results provided the competitive edge to the series, the Haka offered a memorable cultural moment in Rajgir.- Ends