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On June 15, 2025, India will make history with the launch of the Rugby Premier League (RPL), the world’s first franchise-based Rugby 7s league, set to take place at the Mumbai Football Arena. Organized by Rugby India in collaboration with GMR Sports, this groundbreaking tournament promises to elevate rugby’s profile in the country, bringing together global superstars, top-tier coaches, and India’s finest talent in a 15-day spectacle of high-octane action. With 34 matches featuring six city-based franchises—Bengaluru Bravehearts, Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Hyderabad Heroes, Kalinga Black Tigers, and Mumbai Dreamers—the RPL is poised to redefine the future of rugby in India.
A Star-Studded Global Stage
The RPL’s inaugural season is a landmark event, securing a dedicated 15-day window on the global Rugby 7s calendar, ensuring the participation of some of the sport’s biggest names. For the first time, India will host 30 marquee international players from rugby powerhouses such as Argentina, South Africa, Kenya, Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Fiji, USA, and Ireland. Among the standout names are Perry Baker, a two-time World Rugby 7s Player of the Year; Rosko Speckman, a two-time Olympian from South Africa; and Harry McNulty, an Irish star with two Rugby World Cup medals. Other luminaries include Scott Curry, a six-time World Rugby Sevens Series champion, and Argentina’s Lucian Gonzalez, a 2024 Paris Olympics bronze medalist.
These global icons will share the field with 30 Indian players selected from an auction pool of 71, creating a unique blend of international expertise and homegrown talent. Notable Indian players include Mohit Khatri, acquired by Bengaluru Bravehearts for INR 4.75 lakhs, and others like Karan Rajbhar and Arpan Chhetri, who represent the rising tide of Indian rugby talent. This fusion of world-class and local athletes is a testament to the league’s ambition to showcase rugby’s global appeal while nurturing India’s domestic stars.
A Roadmap to Olympic Glory
As an Olympic sport since 2016, Rugby 7s is one of the fastest-growing disciplines in the world, known for its speed, skill, and dynamic play. The RPL is strategically positioned to create a pathway for Indian players to pursue Olympic dreams. By exposing young talent to international competition and elite coaching, the league aims to build a sustainable ecosystem for rugby’s growth in India. Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, emphasized this vision, stating, “The Rugby Premier League is a game-changer for rugby in India. With World Rugby’s support and GMR Sports’ expertise, we are set to deliver a league that showcases the finest talent and inspires the next generation.”
The league’s structure, with each franchise comprising five marquee international players, three bridge players, and five local Indian players, ensures that Indian athletes gain invaluable experience playing alongside and against the world’s best. This exposure is critical for a country aiming to make its mark in international competitions, including the Olympic qualifiers. With Rugby India’s affiliation to the Indian Olympic Association and its recognition by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the RPL is a pivotal step toward building a competitive national team capable of challenging on the global stage.
Unearthing Talent from India’s Heartlands
Contrary to the perception of rugby as a niche sport in India, the game has deep roots in rural and semi-urban areas, particularly in states like Karnataka, Odisha, Haryana, Maharashtra, and West Bengal. These regions have produced a significant portion of India’s rugby talent, with grassroots programs and school initiatives fostering a growing player base. As of 2016, India had 57,000 registered players, including 7,160 women, a number that has likely grown with initiatives like the Khelo India Women’s Rugby League, which engaged 3,479 female players across 321 teams in 10 cities.
Odisha, in particular, has emerged as a rugby hub, hosting training camps and the Asian Under-18 Championship in Bhubaneswar. Players like Sangeeta Bera and Subhalaxmi Barik from Odisha have represented India on international stages, showcasing the potential of talent from these regions. The RPL’s inclusion of a Bhubaneswar-based franchise, the Kalinga Black Tigers, underscores the importance of these heartlands in India’s rugby ecosystem. By providing a professional platform, the league aims to unearth and polish more such talents, creating role models for aspiring athletes in rural and semi-urban communities.
World-Class Coaching and Infrastructure
The RPL has attracted some of the most renowned coaches in Rugby 7s, further elevating its stature. Coaches like Mike Friday (USA 7s), Ben Gollings (Fiji 7s), DJ Forbes (New Zealand 7s icon), Tomasi Cama (Fiji 7s great), Paco Hernandez (Spain 7s), and Tim Walsh (Australia Women’s 7s) will lead the six franchises, bringing unparalleled expertise to the tournament. Each team’s management includes an Indian assistant coach, physiotherapist, massage therapist, and team manager, ensuring a professional setup that supports player development.
The league’s matches, broadcast live on Star Sports and JioHotstar, will follow a double round-robin format with 30 pool games, culminating in two semi-finals, a bronze medal match, and a final. Each match, lasting 22 minutes with four-minute quarters, promises fast-paced, viewer-friendly action designed to captivate Indian audiences. The Mumbai Football Arena, hosting all 34 matches from June 1 to June 15, provides a world-class venue to showcase this new chapter in Indian sports.
A New Era for Indian Rugby
The RPL is more than just a tournament; it’s a movement to embed rugby into India’s sporting culture, much like the Indian Premier League did for cricket. With an estimated investment of Rs 20–25 crore in its inaugural year, the league combines sport, entertainment, and business to create a sustainable model for growth. Satyam Trivedi, CEO of GMR Sports, highlighted its significance, saying, “The Rugby Premier League marks a pivotal moment in our mission to elevate rugby in India. By showcasing a vibrant mix of international and Indian talent, this league is poised to redefine the sport’s future.”
For a country where cricket dominates, the RPL offers a bold vision to diversify India’s sports landscape. By fostering grassroots development, providing a platform for local talent, and leveraging global expertise, the league aims to inspire a new generation of players and fans. As Harry McNulty, captain of the Kalinga Black Tigers, noted, “Rugby has needed a country or sponsor who wants to invest in order to create a really exciting and long-term program. With India, we have that.”
As the RPL kicks off, it carries the potential to transform rugby from a niche sport into a cultural force in India, paving the way for Olympic aspirations and creating heroes who will inspire millions across Karnataka, Odisha, Haryana, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and beyond
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