India to host world's first franchise-based Rugby 7s League in Mumbai
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The Rugby Premier League (RPL), the world’s first franchise-based Rugby 7s league, is set to make its debut in India this year.
Rugby India and GMR Sports have announced that the inaugural tournament will take place at the Mumbai Football Arena (Brihanmumbai Kreeda Ani Lalitkala Prarthisthan Andheri Sports Complex) from June 1 to June 15, 2025.
Featuring a lineup of top global Rugby 7s players alongside talented Indian athletes, the league will host 34 matches over a span of 15 days.
The tournament will feature six franchises, each representing a major Indian city:
- Bengaluru Bravehearts
- Chennai Bulls
- Delhi Redz
- Hyderabad Heroes
- Kalinga Black Tigers (Bhubaneswar)
- Mumbai Dreamers
Rugby enthusiasts can catch the live-action on Star Sports and JioHotstar, ensuring widespread accessibility across India.
The RPL will showcase 30 marquee international players from prominent Rugby 7s nations such as Argentina, South Africa, Kenya, Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Fiji, USA, and Ireland. Notable participants include:
- Perry Baker (USA): Two-time World Rugby 7s Player of the Year, three-time Olympian.
- Scott Curry (New Zealand): Six-time World Rugby Sevens Series Champion, Silver Medalist at the 2021 Olympics.
- Terry Kennedy (Ireland): World Rugby 7s Player of the Year 2022, Top Try Scorer in 2022 and 2024.
- Lucian Gonzalez (Argentina): Bronze medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- Waisea Nacuqu (Fiji): Gold medalist at the 2020 Olympics, silver medalist at the 2024 Olympics.
- Rosko Speckman (South Africa): Two-time Olympian, Bronze medalist.
- Henry Hutchison (Australia): Three-time Olympian, 2015 World Rugby Rookie of the Year.
Additionally, 18 international players from Canada, Hong Kong, and Germany will also participate.
The league will offer a platform for 30 Indian players, selected from an auction pool of 71. Competing alongside international icons, these athletes will gain invaluable exposure and experience.
Several highly acclaimed coaches will be mentoring the franchises, including:
- Mike Friday (USA 7s Head Coach)
- Ben Gollings (Fiji 7s Head Coach)
- DJ Forbes (New Zealand 7s Icon)
- Tomasi Cama (Fiji 7s Great)
- Paco Hernandez (Spain 7s Coach)
- Tim Walsh (Australia Women’s 7s Head Coach)
According to Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, the league is a culmination of six years of meticulous planning. With approval from World Rugby, a 15-day exclusive window has been secured to ensure that no other international Rugby 7s tournaments will overlap with the RPL.
Bose remarked, “Rugby 7s is one of the most attractive television sports in modern history. Welcome, India and the world, to the Rugby Premier League.”