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Jungle Crows is a rugby union club based in Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal India. In February 2008 the team finished runners up in the annual Callahan Cup, giving them a position in the All India Finals and recognition as a top division team.

History The club was founded in 2004 by 3 British expatriates working in the city. The founders felt that the existing rugby clubs in Kolkata were not easily accessible for many of the city's young people as they were generally seen to cater for middle to upper class members. Kolkata has a long history of rugby dating to the early says of british colonial rule in India. The Calcutta Cup is an annual competition held between local rugby clubs and shares its name with the trophy annually competed between England and Scotland. Jungle Crows are named after Kolkata's most successful scavanger, the ubiquitous jungle crow seen throughout the city. By coincidence the Bangali for Jungle Crows 'Jungli Kaak' has a subtle spin on the meaning. To refer to a person as 'jungli' in Bengal generally means that they are boisterous or wild mannered. This was felt to be particular suited to the nature of the young and enthusiastic rugby team.

The team plays in green shirts, white shorts, and socks of green, blue, and red. On the team's foundation there was friendly rivally between two of the founders as to whether the team should play in green (the Irish national team colour), or blue (the national team colour of Scotland). A match was held with the winning team to decide the colour, which was chosen as green. However to honour the blue camp the team went on to adopt mixed colour socks; one blue and one green. This was later changed to socks with a combination of both. in 2007 the socks were modified to include red to honour a French member of the team, Christophe Plais who had contributed significantly to the club's gowth and success. (Red is the away shirt colour of the French national team).

Membership The Jungle Crows club comprises members from a broad range of socio-economic backgrounds and several nationalities: in June 2008 including Indian, Welsh, French, Dutch, and Irish. Whilst there are often a small number of resident and visiting non-Indian members and players at any particular time, the club has a strong focus on local development and mostly consists of young Bangali players. The club often benefits from short term ruby experienced visitors to Kolkata who can assist with coaching and development although the club does also have its own local qualified coaches.

The Club has no formal training facilities and uses the Maidan and Calcutta Rangers Club as a venue and meeting place. Jungle Crows have progressively increased their youth development activities and currently employ 2 youth development officers. These officers directly visit schools and youth facilities, often in deprived parts of the city, to promote rugby and fitness to boys and girls of all ages. Frequent youth tournaments are a key goal of the club, the largest of which is the Monsoon Cup held for various age levels in August each year.

By design the club has an informal committee structure however club co-founder Paul Walsh together with some senior team members and sponsors give the necessary direction and planning required.

Club sponsors for the playing year 2008-2009 include CDE, JCB, BOC and the London School of Commerce.

Tours The club has taken part in numerous rugby competitions and events in India and abroad. In 2007 the club organised a youth team made up of boys from the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences in Bhubaneshwar, Orissa (state to the south of West Bengal). This shcool focusses on children from tribal backgrounds many of whom are disadvantaged. The team, named Jungle Crows KISS, played in an international under 19s tournament in England, returning home eventual winners. The KISS school has continued with its rugby development and is currently planning (as of early 2008) to establish a quality rugby facilty including a full scale pitch.

Honours In Spring 2008 an under 14s team was formed of boys from Orissa, West Bengal, and Manipore for a junior tournament in Bishop's Stalford, England. On this occasion the boys finished in 4th position.

In 2007 the Jungle Crows under 19s team finished 3rd in the inaugural All India Under 19s Tournament in Mumbai. The winners were a fellow Kolkata Club, the Armenian School who beat Mumbai favourites Bombay Gymkhana in the finals.

Senior coach Sanjay Patro is the highest qualified rugby union referee in India and has received training and instruction in India, the UK, and New Zealand. He has met and trained with numerous high profile professional players, particularly from the England and London Harlequins teams.

Three Jungle Crows players won silver medals playing for West Bengal in the Indian National Games in 2007. Several of the players have represented India at under 19 level and some had had trials for the senior National team.

The club reached the semi-finals of the Calcutta Cup and the final of the Centanary Cup in 2007.