Rugby Enters a New Era: India Launches World's First Professional Sevens League

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Mumbai will become the center of a global sports revolution. GMR Rugby Premier League 2025, the first franchise league in sevens rugby on the planet, kicks off June 15 at Mumbai Football Arena. Following the model of cricket's successful IPL, comes a groundbreaking project that could forever change the face of rugby in Asia and worldwide.

Six dynamic teams, 30 international stars, and a vision to create a new sporting powerhouse in a country with 1.5 billion people - this is the essence of RPL. The league bets on fast, dynamic, and spectator-friendly seven-a-side rugby format that could replicate the phenomenal success of the Indian Premier League in cricket.

Unique Format for a New Generation

Rugby Premier League offers a completely new approach to the traditional sport. Six franchise teams representing Indian metropolises will play 34 matches during 15 intensive days (June 15-29). The unique game system features four-minute quarters, meaning a total of 22 minutes of play per match.

The regular season offers 30 games, with each team playing 10 matches. This is followed by playoffs with two semifinals, a third-place match, and the grand final. Spectators will see 2-3 matches daily - two on weekdays, three on weekends.

Six Teams, One Vision

Bengaluru Bravehearts represent India's technological heart with an innovative approach to rugby. Chennai Bulls from the gateway of South India rely on strength and determination. Hyderabad Heroes from the city of pearls bet on quick counterattacks and creative play.

Delhi Redz from India's heart prefer aggressive defense and disciplined tactics. Mumbai Dreamers from the city of dreams embody metropolitan spirit and unbreakable mentality. Kalinga Black Tigers from the temple city of Bhubaneswar combine traditional values with a modern approach.

Global Talents in Indian Environment

Each team consists of a carefully balanced mix - five international stars from rugby powerhouses, three bridging players from developing rugby nations, and five of the best Indian talents. The league attracted 30 stellar players from Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Fiji, and other rugby powers.

The draft system ensured fair distribution of talent. All international players were allocated through a draft in April 2025, while 30 Indian players were selected from an auction pool of 71 candidates. Each team has a star foreign coach with an Indian assistant and a complete support staff.

Why RPL is a Breakthrough Event

Rugby Premier League is the first franchise league in sevens rugby on the planet with an exclusive 15-day window in the global rugby calendar. World Rugby and Asia Rugby provide full support for this new global model for sport development.

After cricket, rugby becomes the next sport with a professional league in India. Rugby is currently played in 322 of 760 Indian districts with a population of 1.5 billion people representing enormous growth potential. The long-term goal is qualification for the 2032 Olympics.

Vision of Sports Revolution

"This league has been six years in the making, but we wanted to do everything right," explains Rahul Bose, president of Rugby India. "The first extraordinary success came thanks to World Rugby, which provided us with a 15-day window during which no international sevens rugby is played anywhere in the world."

Brett Robinson, chairman of World Rugby, sees the ideal connection in the project: "This meets all the requirements for bringing a product to a new market, a developing market, a huge market. It gives people the opportunity to try the game, see the game, and develop the game."

The league creates a sustainable career path for players outside national teams and allows Indian talents to learn from world stars. A women's league is planned from 2026.

Future of Rugby in Asia

RPL represents a catalyst for sporting excellence, national pride, and regional progress. The extremely fast and dynamic format targets a new generation of fans and could cause a revolution in the sports world similar to cricket's IPL.

How to watch this historic moment? The league runs from June 15-29 at Mumbai Football Arena with broadcasts on JioHotstar and Star Sports. Viewers will witness the birth of a new rugby powerhouse in the world's most populous democracy.

Rugby Premier League is not just a new competition - it's the beginning of a new era for rugby in Asia and perhaps globally.

Photo: CNBC TV18

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