The Rugby Premier League (RPL), the world’s first franchise-based rugby sevens league, is set to begin in Mumbai this June, according to organisers Rugby India and GMR Sports.
The tournament will feature six teams: Bengaluru Bravehearts, Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Hyderabad Heroes, Kalinga Black Tigers, and Mumbai Dreamers. Over 15 days, 34 matches will be played in what is expected to be an exciting display of rugby sevens action.
Rahul Bose, president of Rugby India, shared that World Rugby provided a special 15-day window during which no international rugby sevens competitions would be held globally, making top international players available for the league.
The RPL will showcase 30 star players from rugby sevens powerhouses such as Argentina, South Africa, Kenya, Britain, New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Fiji, USA, and Ireland. Among the notable names are Perry Baker, a three-time Olympian from the United States, New Zealand’s Scott Curry, a 2021 Olympic silver medallist, and Ireland’s former World Rugby 7s Player of the Year, Terry Kennedy.
In addition to these international stars, the league will feature 18 international players from countries including Canada, Hong Kong, and Germany. The roster will also consist of 30 Indian players selected from an auction pool of 71.
The inaugural RPL will take place at the Mumbai Football Arena from June 1 to June 15.
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