Rugby Premier League to Debut in India with Professional 7s Tournament

Rugby India, the national governing body for the sport in India, in partnership with GMR Sports, has announced the Rugby Premier League (RPL)—a franchise-based Rugby 7s competition. The inaugural edition of RPL will be held at the Brihanmumbai Kreeda Ani Lalitkala Pratishthan Andheri Sports Complex (Mumbai Football Arena, MFA) from June 1 to 15, 2025.

Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, 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."

Established within a designated window on the global Rugby 7s calendar, the RPL will feature 34 matches over 15 days, bringing together international players and Indian talent. The league will be broadcast live on Star Sports and JioHotstar.

The tournament comprises six city-based franchises—Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bhubaneswar—offering a combination of sport, culture, and entertainment. Fans can watch 30 international players from Rugby 7s nations including New Zealand, South Africa, Fiji, Australia, Argentina, Ireland, USA, and Great Britain. Notable participants include Perry Baker, Scott Curry, Terry Kennedy, Joseva Talacolo, and Henry Hutchison.

Satyam Trivedi, CEO, GMR Sports, says: "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."

The competition also welcomes 18 emerging players from Canada, Germany, and Hong Kong, adding to the international representation. For domestic development, 30 Indian players selected from a pool of 71 will represent their cities, gaining experience in a professional tournament setting.

The coaching lineup includes respected names such as Mike Friday (USA), Ben Gollings (Fiji), DJ Forbes (New Zealand), and Paco Hernandez (Spain), who will guide teams throughout the competition.

Sanjog Gupta, CEO – 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 (MYAS) and affiliated to World Rugby, Asia Rugby and the IOA, overseeing and developing the sport nationally. It received recognition as Best Sports Federation – Development at the 2025 Indian Sports Awards by FICCI.

GMR Sports, a division of the GMR Group, began with the Delhi Capitals in the IPL and now manages franchises in Pro Kabaddi, Ultimate Kho Kho, and the Rugby Premier League. Its international ventures include the Dubai Capitals, Pretoria Capitals, Seattle Orcas, and Hampshire County Cricket Club.