"Rugby 7s offers an engaging sporting format"
Rugby India and GMR Sports have announced the launch of the Rugby Premier League (RPL), a new franchise-based Rugby 7s tournament.
The inaugural edition will run from June 1 to 15, 2025, at Mumbai Football Arena.
It will feature 34 matches and be broadcast on Star Sports and JioHotstar.
Actor Rahul Bose is the President of Rugby India and he said:
“We’ve been planning this league for six years, focusing on getting the fundamentals right.
“With a 15-day window secured from World Rugby, we are now able to bring players to India.
“Through GMR Sports’ partnership, our team owners, and JioHotstar as broadcaster, we’re pleased to introduce the Rugby Premier League.
“Rugby 7s offers an engaging sporting format that we believe will connect with Indian audiences.”
Six city-based franchises, Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bhubaneswar, will compete in the league.
Each team will combine Indian and international talent, offering fans a mix of sport, culture, and entertainment.
Top Rugby 7s players such as Perry Baker, Scott Curry, Terry Kennedy, Joseva Talacolo, and Henry Hutchison are confirmed participants.
Thirty players from countries including New Zealand, South Africa, Fiji, and the USA will feature.
Satyam Trivedi, CEO of GMR Sports, said: “The Rugby Premier League represents an important step in rugby’s development in India.
“By bringing together international and Indian talent, and with support from our franchise owners, we aim to expand the sport’s audience.
“This league provides Indian players with opportunities to compete alongside experienced international athletes, contributing to rugby’s growth in our country.”
Eighteen emerging players from Canada, Germany, and Hong Kong will also take part. Thirty Indian players, chosen from a pool of 71, will represent their respective cities.
International coaches including Mike Friday (USA), Ben Gollings (Fiji), DJ Forbes (New Zealand), and Paco Hernandez (Spain) will lead the squads.
Sanjog Gupta, CEO of Sports, JioStar, said:
“At JioHotstar, we aim to deliver diverse sporting content to fans across India.”
“The Rugby Premier League presents a new offering with international and Indian players competing together. We look forward to broadcasting every match live to our viewers.”
Rugby India is recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and is affiliated with World Rugby, Asia Rugby, and the Indian Olympic Association.
The federation was awarded Best Sports Federation – Development at the 2025 Indian Sports Awards by FICCI.
GMR Sports manages teams in cricket, kabaddi, kho kho, and now rugby. Its international franchises include the Dubai Capitals, Seattle Orcas, and Hampshire Cricket.
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