Rugby isn’t the first sport that comes to mind when you think of India. Cricket usually steals the spotlight. But guess what? Rugby is slowly but surely making its way into the hearts of Indian sports fans. Thanks to live streaming platforms, it’s easier than ever for fans to watch their favorite matches without depending solely on traditional TV channels.
Brief History of Rugby in India
Rugby in India traces its roots back to the British colonial era, when the game was introduced by British soldiers and officials during the 19th century. The earliest recorded rugby match in India was played in Calcutta in 1872, when British expatriates organized a game on Christmas Day. The popularity of that match eventually led to the formation of the Calcutta Football Club in 1873, one of the oldest rugby clubs outside of Europe. In fact, India is home to the Calcutta Cup, one of the most prestigious trophies in international rugby, which is awarded in the annual England vs Scotland match. This historical connection shows that India had an early role in the spread of rugby across Asia, even if the sport didn’t maintain mainstream popularity for long.
Despite its early introduction, rugby in India struggled to gain traction with the local population throughout the 20th century. Cricket dominated the sporting landscape, while football and hockey also commanded loyal fan bases. Rugby was mostly played within military circles, expatriate communities, and elite institutions. However, things started changing in the late 1990s and early 2000s when the Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) became more active in promoting the sport. With international tournaments like the Rugby World Cup becoming more accessible to viewers in India through television and later streaming, curiosity about the sport began to grow again, setting the stage for modern interest and participation.
Popularity and Growth of Rugby in India
Even though rugby is still far from being as mainstream as cricket or kabaddi, its popularity is slowly rising in India. One of the main reasons for this growth is the introduction of rugby at the school and university level. Several educational institutions now encourage rugby as part of their physical education curriculum, exposing young athletes to the sport at an early age. These grassroots initiatives are important because they provide structured coaching, inter-college tournaments, and opportunities to compete, which naturally builds a pipeline of players and fans. Rugby is also gaining traction in metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, where youth participation is highest.
In recent years, the Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has taken deliberate steps to promote the sport more aggressively. They have organized national tournaments, developed partnerships with global rugby organizations, and supported women’s rugby, which has seen impressive growth. The visibility of Indian teams competing internationally, even at the qualifying level, has inspired a new wave of fans. Additionally, the availability of live streaming has been a game-changer, allowing rugby enthusiasts to follow international tournaments from home. While rugby is not yet on par with India’s dominant sports, it is carving out a niche audience that is passionate, engaged, and steadily expanding.
Why Rugby is Gaining Popularity in India
Rugby is experiencing a noticeable surge in popularity in India for several reasons. Unlike in the past, when fans had limited access to games and international exposure, today’s digital platforms provide instant access to live matches, highlights, and player interviews. The fast-paced nature of rugby also appeals to the younger generation that enjoys sports with high intensity and physicality. Moreover, the sport represents diversity in India’s sporting culture, offering an alternative to the traditional dominance of cricket.
Another significant reason for this rise is the cultural shift in how Indian audiences consume sports. With exposure to global tournaments and professional leagues abroad, many Indians are beginning to appreciate the physical demands, strategy, and team spirit required in rugby. The growth of social media has also allowed fans to connect, share content, and build communities around the sport. These factors combined have given rugby a stronger foothold in the Indian sports landscape.
Influence of Global Rugby Tournaments
International tournaments have played a huge role in building interest in rugby among Indian fans. Events such as the Rugby World Cup, Six Nations Championship, and HSBC Rugby Sevens Series attract millions of viewers worldwide, and India is no exception. Watching the best nations compete at the highest level, with their passionate fans, exciting rivalries, and unforgettable moments, creates an aspirational effect. Indian audiences, who are already accustomed to the grand scale of cricket tournaments, find the intensity and drama of rugby equally engaging.
Some of the reasons why global tournaments influence Indian rugby fans include:
- High-quality broadcasts that showcase the professionalism of the sport.
- Global exposure to rugby superstars like Richie McCaw, Jonny Wilkinson, and Siya Kolisi.
- Competitive rivalries that spark curiosity and draw neutral fans into the sport.
- Wider accessibility through live streaming platforms and highlight reels on social media.
These global tournaments not only provide entertainment but also inspire young Indian athletes to take up rugby, hoping to represent the country on an international stage someday.
Youth Interest and Grassroots Development
One of the most encouraging aspects of rugby’s growth in India is the enthusiasm among the youth. Schools, universities, and sports academies are increasingly adopting rugby as part of their official sports curriculum. By giving young athletes structured training and opportunities to play competitively, India is building a stronger foundation for the sport’s future. Many young players are drawn to rugby’s values of teamwork, discipline, and respect, which complement their academic and personal development.
Grassroots initiatives are particularly important in a country like India, where exposure to non-traditional sports is often limited. Organizations like the IRFU and several NGOs are working at the community level to introduce rugby to children in underprivileged areas. These programs not only help spread awareness of the sport but also provide kids with opportunities they might not otherwise have. The grassroots development ensures that rugby is no longer seen as an “elite” sport but one that is accessible to everyone. Over time, this inclusivity has built a loyal fan base that demands live coverage of rugby matches, both domestic and international.
The Rise of Live Streaming in India
Changing Sports Consumption Habits
Sports consumption in India has drastically changed over the past decade. Earlier, television was the only medium for fans to follow live matches, and people were restricted by what channels decided to broadcast. This often meant that niche sports like rugby got very little airtime compared to cricket, football, or hockey. However, with the explosion of smartphones and affordable data, fans can now access live matches at their convenience, anytime and anywhere. For rugby, which previously struggled for visibility in India, this shift has been revolutionary. Fans no longer have to wait for rare TV broadcasts — they can simply open an app and watch their favorite teams in action.
The culture of on-demand content has also contributed to the rising appeal of live streaming. Viewers, especially younger generations, prefer the flexibility of choosing when and how they consume sports. Whether it’s watching a full 80-minute rugby test match or just catching highlights, streaming platforms provide that freedom. This flexibility fits seamlessly into busy lifestyles and helps rugby reach an audience that traditional TV broadcasting could never capture. Essentially, live streaming has democratized access to sports in India and opened the door for rugby to build its fan base.
Internet Penetration and Affordable Data
One of the biggest enablers of live streaming in India is the rapid growth of internet penetration and the availability of cheap mobile data. Companies like Jio revolutionized the telecom industry by slashing data costs, making high-speed internet affordable even in small towns and rural areas. Today, India boasts one of the largest populations of internet users in the world, and this accessibility has paved the way for live sports consumption to skyrocket. Rugby, which might not have had space on mainstream TV, now has an open pathway to reach millions through streaming services.
Affordable data has also encouraged platforms to invest in streaming rugby content because they know there is a growing audience eager to watch. For fans, the experience of watching rugby in high definition on a smartphone or smart TV feels almost as immersive as being in the stadium. With 4G networks and the gradual rollout of 5G, streaming quality continues to improve, eliminating buffering issues and ensuring a smooth viewing experience. This digital transformation is directly responsible for the surge in rugby’s visibility across India, bringing fans closer to the global game than ever before.
| Factor | Past Scenario (Before Streaming) | Current Scenario (With Streaming) | Impact on Rugby Fans in India |
| Access to Sports | Limited to TV broadcasts | On-demand, anytime, anywhere | Wider exposure to rugby matches |
| Cost of Watching | Expensive TV subscriptions | Affordable OTT & data bundles | Budget-friendly for students/youth |
| Internet/Data | Slow & costly | High-speed 4G/5G, cheap data | Seamless HD rugby streaming |
| Viewer Control | Dependent on broadcasters’ schedules | Full control over what & when to watch | Flexibility to watch highlights/live |
Where to Watch Live Rugby Matches in India
Popular Sports TV Channels
Television still plays a role in rugby broadcasting, particularly during major international events. Channels like Sony Sports and Star Sports occasionally feature rugby tournaments such as the Rugby World Cup, Rugby Sevens, and certain test matches involving big nations. These broadcasts often attract casual sports viewers who may stumble upon rugby while flipping channels, giving the sport additional visibility in India. The excitement of watching high-level rugby on television with professional commentary also makes it appealing to families and older viewers who are more accustomed to traditional TV.
However, the downside of relying on TV is that rugby is not consistently covered. Since cricket dominates broadcast schedules, rugby usually gets airtime only during large-scale international tournaments. Smaller matches, regional competitions, or club-level rugby rarely make it to TV. This inconsistency is one of the reasons fans are increasingly turning toward digital platforms for regular and reliable access. Still, for major events, TV channels remain a valuable option, particularly for fans who prefer watching matches on a larger screen with high production quality.
OTT Platforms Offering Rugby Live Streaming
OTT (Over-The-Top) platforms have become the backbone of rugby live streaming in India. Services like Sony LIV, Disney+ Hotstar, and FanCode provide Indian fans with access to international rugby matches and major tournaments. These platforms allow viewers to stream on multiple devices — smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs — making them extremely convenient. What’s even better is that many of these platforms offer subscription plans at affordable prices, making rugby more accessible than ever before.
In addition to live matches, OTT platforms also provide features like highlights, match replays, and expert analysis, which enhance the overall viewing experience. FanCode, for example, has carved a niche for itself by focusing on sports that don’t always get mainstream coverage. For rugby enthusiasts in India, this means they don’t have to depend solely on rare TV broadcasts. Instead, they can stay updated with international rugby year-round. OTT platforms have essentially become the lifeline of rugby fans in India, ensuring that the sport remains visible and accessible.
International Platforms with Access in India
Beyond domestic platforms, several international streaming services also allow Indian fans to enjoy rugby matches. Platforms like DAZN, World Rugby’s official streaming service, and ESPN+ provide extensive coverage of rugby leagues, championships, and test matches. These platforms usually have broader rights to global tournaments, meaning fans get access to games that might not be available on Indian networks. For die-hard rugby fans, this is a huge advantage because it guarantees a more complete rugby experience.
That said, accessing these platforms from India can sometimes be tricky due to regional broadcasting restrictions. This is where VPN services come into play, allowing fans to bypass geo-blocks and stream rugby from international providers. While it requires a little extra setup, many Indian rugby fans are adopting this method to ensure they don’t miss out on their favorite teams and tournaments. In short, international streaming platforms, combined with VPNs, open the doors for Indian audiences to truly connect with the global rugby community and enjoy matches without limitations.
