All posts tagged: rugby India

Rugby Premier League to introduce Women’s franchises in season 2

Rugby Premier League to introduce Women’s franchises in season 2

The GMR Sports and Rugby India have announced the introduction of women’s franchises in Season 2 of the HSBC Rugby Premier League (RPL), marking a significant step towards expanding the sport’s ecosystem in the country. The upcoming edition of the league will see four of the six existing men’s franchises also field women’s teams. These include Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Mumbai Dreamers, and Kolkata Banga Tigers, the latter having relocated from Bhubaneswar. The move is aimed at creating greater opportunities for female athletes and strengthening the development pathway in Indian rugby. The second season of the HSBC Rugby Premier League is scheduled to take place from June 16 to 28 at the Gachibowli Stadium. The inaugural edition, held in Mumbai in 2025, featured six men’s teams and played a key role in increasing the sport’s visibility across the country. League expands with focus on inclusivity Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, said the introduction of a women’s competition has long been a priority and reflects the growing appeal of women’s rugby globally. He added that …

Rugby Premier League 2026 to be held in Hyderabad from June 16 to 28

Rugby Premier League 2026 to be held in Hyderabad from June 16 to 28

GMR Sports, in partnership with Rugby India, the national governing body for the sport, announced that the second edition of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) will be held at the Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad, from June 16 to 28, 2026. Following a successful inaugural edition last year in Mumbai, the Rugby Premier League returns in the fast-paced Rugby 7s format, aligning with the league’s long-term vision of accelerating the growth and global competitiveness of rugby in India. The second edition will feature the six franchises from the first edition, continuing to provide a high-performance platform that brings together leading Indian and international players, while offering fans an engaging and action-packed rugby experience. The decision to host the league in Hyderabad aligns with GMR Sports’ broader commitment to developing world-class sporting ecosystems. The announcement follows GMR Sports’ recent signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Telangana, with a shared focus on developing a Satellite Sports City within Bharat Future City, underscoring the Group’s strategic emphasis on sports infrastructure, innovation and athlete development. …

GMR Sports partners with Rugby India, launches Rugby Premier League

GMR Sports partners with Rugby India, launches Rugby Premier League

GMR Sports, a pioneer in India’s sports ecosystem, has announced a landmark 10-year strategic partnership with Rugby India, the national governing body for rugby, to launch the Rugby Premier League (RPL). Set to debut in 2025, the RPL will be one of the world’s first franchise-based rugby leagues, featuring six city-based teams and showcasing elite talent from top rugby nations globally. This partnership signifies a bold step forward for GMR Sports as it extends its legacy of innovation and excellence into the realm of Rugby 7s, one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic sports in the world. Speaking on this transformative collaboration, Mr. Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Chairman of GMR Sports, said “At GMR Sports, we believe in driving the future of sports in India by creating platforms that inspire athletes and fans alike. The Rugby Premier League is not just a league, it is a movement to bring world-class rugby to India while fostering grassroots development. The Rugby Premier League promises to captivate audiences while building a strong foundation for rugby’s growth in India. By …