Rugby India has announced the launch of the Rugby Premier League (RPL), the world’s first franchise-based Rugby 7s league in partnership with GMR Sports. The highly anticipated tournament will take place in Mumbai at the Brihanmumbai Kreeda Ani Lalitkala Prarthisthan Andheri Sports Complex (Mumbai Football Arena, MFA) from June 1 to June 15, 2025. World Rugby has granted RPL a dedicated 15-day window, ensuring that no other international Rugby 7s competitions take place during this period. This allows for the participation of some of the biggest names in the sport. The League will see six city-based franchises and a 34-match schedule over 15 days. The six franchises are – Mumbai Dreamers, Delhi Redz, Bengaluru Bravehearts, Hyderabad Heroes, Chennai Bulls and Kalinga Black Tigers. The matches will be broadcast live on Star Sports and JioHotstar. RPL boasts an impressive lineup of 30 marquee international players from rugby powerhouses such as New Zealand, Argentina, South Africa, Kenya, Fiji, Great Britain, Australia, Spain, USA, and Ireland. Some of the standout names include: Perry Baker (USA) – 2X World Rugby 7s Player of the Year, 3X Olympian Scott Curry (New Zealand) – 4X NZ 7s Player of the Year, Silver Medalist at the 2021 Olympics Waisea Nacuqu (Fiji) – 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist, 2024 Olympic Silver Medalist Lucian Gonzalez (Argentina) – 2024 Olympic Bronze Medalist Terry Kennedy (Ireland) – World Rugby 7s Player of the Year 2022 Harry McNulty (Ireland) – 2X Olympian, Rugby World Cup Medalist. Additionally, 18 international players from Canada, Hong Kong, and Germany will bolster the league’s competitiveness. The league will also feature 30 Indian players, selected from an auction pool of 71 athletes. Some of the most renowned coaches in the world will lead the RPL teams, including: Mike Friday (USA 7s Head Coach), Ben Gollings (Fiji 7s Head Coach, England 7s Legend), DJ Forbes (New Zealand 7s Icon), Tomasi Cama (Fiji 7s Great), Paco Hernandez (Spain 7s Coach), Tim Walsh (Australia Women’s 7s Head Coach) “This is a league that’s been six years in the making, but we wanted to do everything right. The first extraordinary development came thanks to World Rugby, who gave us a 15-day window in which no international Rugby 7s would be played anywhere in the world. This made the best global rugby players available to us. From there to partnering with GMR Sports and creating the best conditions for both the international players as well as our Indian players; choosing some of the most intelligent, committed team owners and getting a top-class broadcast partner in JioStar, it’s been a helluva ride. Rugby 7s is one of the most attractive television sports in modern history. Welcome, India and the world, to the Rugby Premier League,” said Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, hailed RPL as a game-changer for rugby in India. “The Rugby Premier League marks a pivotal moment in our mission to elevate rugby in India. By showcasing a vibrant mix of international and Indian talent, and with the unwavering support of our franchise owners, this league is poised to redefine the future of the sport,” said Satyam Trivedi, CEO of GMR Sports, emphasising the significance of RPL in Indian rugby.