Wooden Spoon Teams in Mumbai at 1st Bombay Gymkhana International Rugby 10s
Mumbai, India – November 3, 2025: It was a weekend to remember in the heart of Mumbai, where rugby spirit and camaraderie came alive at the 1st Bombay Gymkhana International Rugby 10s Tournament 2025. Among the international participants proudly flying the flag for the UK were the Wooden Spoon men’s and women’s teams, who embodied the charity’s values of teamwork, inclusion, and making a difference through rugby.
The two-day event, held from Friday 31 October to Saturday 01 November at the historic Bombay Gymkhana, marked a special chapter in Indian rugby. As part of the club’s 150th-anniversary celebrations, the tournament also made history by hosting India’s first-ever women’s 10-a-side competition – a milestone moment for the growth of the game across the region.
Before the tournament began, the group enjoyed a lively pool party on Thursday evening, giving everyone a chance to unwind after travelling.
On Friday morning, before the matches kicked off, players exchanged and donated extra kit they had brought with them to give to those who needed it – an early highlight that set the tone for the camaraderie ahead.
Nine men’s teams and five women’s teams from India and overseas took part, with crowds treated to fast-paced, passionate rugby and a shared sense of purpose that transcended borders. The Wooden Spoon sides were proud to stand among this inspiring mix of players and cultures.
In the men’s tournament, BARA (British Asian Rugby Association) lifted the trophy after a thrilling final against hosts Bombay Gymkhana. On the women’s side, Future Hope (Kolkata) went unbeaten throughout the competition to claim the championship title, demonstrating skill and spirit in equal measure.
While results were celebrated, for Wooden Spoon the tournament meant much more than scores on the board. It was a chance to connect communities through rugby – an opportunity to share stories, values, and experiences that show how sport can change lives.
“Being part of this historic event in Mumbai was truly special,” said a Wooden Spoon team representative. “The welcome we received, the friendships made, and the passion for rugby we witnessed were incredible. We were proud to represent Wooden Spoon and the power of rugby to bring people together and create opportunities for others.”
Friday evening brought more fun and celebration as the teams – dressed in full Halloween costumes – marked the end of day one with laughter, team bonding, and camaraderie in true Wooden Spoon style.
On Saturday, alongside their final matches, the players took part in an off-the-cuff game of touch rugby with local children – a spontaneous, joyful moment that captured the spirit of the whole trip. For many, this grassroots connection was just as meaningful as the official tournament.
Throughout their stay, the Wooden Spoon players also took time to speak with local rugby enthusiasts and share the charity’s mission – to use rugby’s community and spirit to fund life-changing projects for children and young people who are disabled or facing disadvantage across the UK and Ireland.
After the tournament, the teams had the opportunity to explore and experience the sights of Mumbai, rounding off the visit with a deeper appreciation of the culture and energy of the city.
Although the trip was short, it was packed with fun, friendships, and memorable experiences. Every player left Mumbai with new connections, shared stories, and a sense of pride in representing Wooden Spoon on an international stage – spreading the charity’s name, spirit, and message wherever they went.
For both teams, this journey to Mumbai was about much more than rugby. It was a celebration of connection, compassion, and the belief that through teamwork and sport, anything is possible.
Thank you to Howden for their support of this tour and continuing support throughout our 38 regions.
Find out how you can get involved and play Rugby for Wooden Spoon here.
