The inaugural Rugby Premier League (RPL) is set to kick off in Mumbai from June 1 to 15, 2025, featuring six franchises and 30 marquee foreign players. Some of the biggest names in Rugby 7s, including Perry Baker of the USA — two-time World Rugby 7s Player of the Year and three-time Olympian — and Rosko Speckman of South Africa, a two-time Olympic bronze medallist, are among the international stars who will headline the league.
The Mumbai Football Arena in Andheri will host all matches of what is being touted as the world’s first city-based franchise rugby 7s league. The fast-paced, action-packed format — often referred to as the T20 of rugby — will see an equal mix of Indian and foreign talent competing on the same platform.
Rugby India, in collaboration with GMR Sports, is launching the RPL with full support and approval from World Rugby, which has provided a dedicated 15-day window free from international fixtures to ensure top global talent can participate.
Teams and Format
The six franchises, unveiled on Friday, are:
- Bengaluru Bravehearts
- Chennai Bulls
- Delhi Redz
- Hyderabad Heroes
- Kalinga Black Tigers
- Mumbai Dreamers
Each team will consist of:
- 5 foreign players
- 5 top Indian players
- 3 players from "bridge nations" (Tier 2 and Tier 3 rugby nations)
Matches will last 16 minutes, split into four quarters. However, with stoppages for fouls, decisions, and injuries, total runtime is expected to range between 23 to 30 minutes.
Global Coaching Talent
RPL has brought in some of the world’s most respected Rugby 7s coaches to mentor the teams:
- Mike Friday (Former USA 7s Head Coach)
- Ben Gollings (England legend, Former Fiji 7s Head Coach)
- DJ Forbes (New Zealand 7s icon)
- Tomasi Cama (New Zealand 7s Head Coach)
- Paco Hernández (Spain 7s Head Coach)
- Tim Walsh (Australia Women’s 7s Head Coach)
Star Power and Player Earnings
In Friday’s marquee player draft, all six teams picked from a pool of 30 international stars representing nations like New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Fiji, Argentina, Great Britain, Ireland, the USA, and Spain. Each top marquee player is expected to earn between $10,000 to $20,000 for the tournament.
Indian rugby players were selected through an auction featuring 71 athletes. National team captain Mohit Khatry fetched the highest bid at Rs 4.5 lakh.
A Historic Moment for Indian Rugby
“This league has been six years in the making. The turning point was when World Rugby gave us a dedicated 15-day window, ensuring top players were available,” said Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, actor, and former India captain.
He added, “Partnering with GMR Sports, securing top-tier international players and coaches, and onboarding a strong broadcast partner in Star Sports and Jio Hotstar, we've created an exciting platform. Rugby 7s is one of the most television-friendly sports globally.”
Bose also emphasized the sport’s growing grassroots presence in India. “Rugby is played in over 300 districts across the country. While it may not dominate headlines, it has deep roots, especially in rural India,” he said.
With international flair, strong local representation, and high-octane gameplay, the Rugby Premier League aims to revolutionize the perception and reach of rugby in India.