India is all set to make history with the launch of the world’s first franchise-based Rugby Sevens league — the Rugby Premier League (RPL). Spearheaded by Rugby India in collaboration with GMR Sports, this bold initiative aims to bring the high-octane excitement of Rugby Sevens to Indian audiences while establishing the country as a rising force in global rugby.
RPL 2025: India’s Tryst with Rugby Stardom
Scheduled to run from June 1 to June 15, 2025, the Rugby Premier League will be held entirely at the Mumbai Football Arena. The tournament will feature six city-based franchises, each competing in a fast-paced format that’s tailor-made for modern audiences.
League Format:
- 6 Teams, 34 Matches
- Double Round Robin + Knockouts
- Matches will be 22 minutes long (4 quarters x 4 mins + intervals)
- Top 4 teams qualify for the semifinals
- Final and 3rd place match to close the league
🏙️ Teams Participating in RPL 2025
- Bengaluru Bravehearts
- Chennai Bulls
- Delhi Redz
- Hyderabad Heroes
- Kalinga Black Tigers (representing Bhubaneswar)
- Mumbai Dreamers
These teams have been strategically named and positioned to maximize regional interest and build strong city-based fan loyalty, similar to the IPL model.
🌍 Star Power: International & Indian Talent Combined
Each team will consist of a 13-player squad, with a unique mix of global stars and homegrown talent:
- 5 International Marquee Players from top rugby nations (New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, etc.)
- 3 International Bridge Players from emerging rugby nations like Germany, Kenya, and Hong Kong
- 5 Elite Indian Players, handpicked from Rugby India’s national and developmental squads
This structure aims to elevate the level of competition while also mentoring Indian athletes through global exposure.
🧠The Vision Behind the League
Rahul Bose, the former India captain and current president of Rugby India, has been the driving force behind RPL. Speaking at the launch, he said:
“RPL is not just a league; it is a movement to ignite the rugby revolution in India. We want to build an ecosystem that makes India a competitive rugby nation by the next decade.”
This vision is supported by World Rugby, which has praised the initiative as a forward-thinking model for expanding the sport into untapped markets.
🎯 Why Rugby Sevens?
Rugby Sevens, a shorter and faster version of traditional rugby, was chosen for its accessibility and viewer-friendly format:
- Games are short and intense
- Easier to broadcast in short time windows
- Appeals to newer audiences unfamiliar with full-length rugby matches
India’s strength in agility-based sports and the growing fitness culture make it a promising base for developing rugby athletes.
🚀 What’s at Stake?
The success of the RPL could:
- Lay the foundation for India’s qualification for future Olympics and Rugby Sevens World Cups
- Inspire thousands of young Indians to take up the sport
- Create a commercial ecosystem for rugby similar to that of cricket and kabaddi
- Bring international attention and investment into Indian sports beyond cricket
đź“… Countdown Begins
With just weeks to go, the Rugby Premier League promises to be a watershed moment for Indian sports. As the franchises begin training camps and unveil their squads, fans across the nation can gear up for a sporting spectacle like no other.
Follow BiGG Sports NEWS for full RPL 2025 coverage, including:
- Live scores & match reports
- Player interviews & team profiles
📲 #RPL2025 #RugbyInIndia #RugbyPremierLeague #BiGGSportsNEWS
*READ BIGG SPORTS NEWS ON SQUID NEWS & DAILYHUNT APP
2 thoughts on “🏉 Rugby Premier League Set to Debut in India: A Game-Changer for Indian Rugby – 2025”