Rugby India has announced the launch of the Rugby Premier League, the world’s first franchise-based Rugby 7s league.
GMR Sports, co-owner of IPL team Delhi Capitals, is bankrolling RPL as the organising and commercial partner for RPL.
The tournament will take place in Mumbai at the Andheri Sports Complex (Mumbai Football Arena, MFA) from June 1 to June 15.
World Rugby has granted RPL a dedicated 15-day window, ensuring that no other international Rugby 7s competitions takes place during this period. This allows for the participation of some of the biggest names in the sport. The league will see six city-based franchises and a 34-match schedule over 15 days.
The six franchises are – Mumbai Dreamers (owner Dream Sports), Delhi Redz (owned by RMZ, one of the world’s largest family-owned alternative asset owners), Bengaluru Bravehearts (co-owned by Manipal Education and Medical group, InCred and Soham Infrastructure), Hyderabad Heroes (owner KLO Sports), Chennai Bulls (owned by Indian-Australian sports company AVID Sports – the only foreign owned RPL team) and Kalinga Black Tigers.
All matches will be broadcast live on Star Sports and JioHotstar.
RPL boasts an impressive lineup of 30 marquee international players from rugby powerhouses such as New Zealand, Argentina, South Africa, Kenya, Fiji, Great Britain, Australia, Spain, USA, and Ireland. Some of the standout names include: Perry Baker (USA) – 2X World Rugby 7s Player of the Year, 3X Olympian Scott Curry (New Zealand) – 4X NZ 7s Player of the Year, Silver Medalist at the 2021 Olympics Waisea Nacuqu (Fiji) – 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist, 2024 Olympic Silver Medalist Lucian Gonzalez (Argentina) – 2024 Olympic Bronze Medalist Terry Kennedy (Ireland) – World Rugby 7s Player of the Year 2022 Harry McNulty (Ireland) – 2X Olympian, Rugby World Cup Medalist. Additionally, 18 international players from Canada, Hong Kong, and Germany will bolster the league’s competitiveness.
The league will also feature 30 Indian players, selected from an auction pool of 71 athletes.
Some of the most renowned coaches in the world will lead the RPL teams, including: Mike Friday (USA 7s Head Coach), Ben Gollings (Fiji 7s Head Coach, England 7s Legend), DJ Forbes (New Zealand 7s Icon), Tomasi Cama (Fiji 7s Great), Paco Hernandez (Spain 7s Coach), Tim Walsh (Australia Women’s 7s Head Coach)
“This is a league that’s been six years in the making, but we wanted to do everything right. The first extraordinary development came thanks to World Rugby, who gave us a 15-day window in which no international Rugby 7s would be played anywhere in the world. This made the best global rugby players available to us. From there to partnering with GMR Sports and creating the best conditions for both the international players as well as our Indian players; choosing some of the most intelligent, committed team owners and getting a top-class broadcast partner in JioStar, it’s been a helluva ride. Rugby 7s is one of the most attractive television sports in modern history. Welcome, India and the world, to the Rugby Premier League,” said Rahul Bose, president of Rugby India, while hailing RPL as a game-changer for rugby in India.
Satyam Trivedi, CEO, GMR Sports, noted: “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, and with the unwavering support of our franchise owners, this league is poised to redefine the future of the sport. We believe that the RPL will not only captivate a wider audience but also provide Indian players with invaluable opportunities to compete alongside the world’s best, thereby raising the standard of rugby in our country. As rugby continues to grow as an Olympic sport, GMR Group is excited to contribute to its holistic development in India.”
Sanjog Gupta, CEO-Sports JioStar, added: “At JioHotstar, we are committed to bringing the most thrilling and dynamic sporting action to fans across India. Rugby 7s is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and with the launch of the Rugby Premier League, we are excited to be at the forefront of this historic moment. The league promises electrifying gameplay, international superstars, and India’s finest rugby talent, all coming together in a high-octane spectacle. We look forward to delivering unparalleled coverage, bringing every tackle, sprint, and score to millions of fans, live and exclusive.”
Highlights
*Exclusive Window: A dedicated window has been created on the global Rugby 7s calendar, ensuring the participation of the sport’s biggest stars.
*Elite Talent: RPL will feature the best global Rugby 7s players alongside India’s finest rugby talent, with 34 matches played over 15 days.
*The league will be broadcast live on Star Sports and JioHotstar.
*City-Based Franchises: Six teams will represent major Indian cities — Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bhubaneswar.
