India has officially stepped into the world of franchise rugby with the launch of its first-ever Rugby Premier League (RPL), a new Rugby Sevens format tournament featuring international and domestic stars. The inaugural season began at the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai and will continue through June 29. This professional competition comes at a time when Indian sports fans are saturated with constant cricket action and are eager for a fresh alternative.
The RPL includes six franchise teams: Bengaluru Bravehearts, Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Hyderabad Heroes, Kalinga Black Tigers, and Mumbai Dreamers. With 30 top-level international players from rugby powerhouses such as New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Fiji, Argentina, Great Britain, and the United States, the league offers a high-quality spectacle. Adding to this mix are players from Canada, Germany, and Hong Kong, as well as 30 Indian rugby athletes. Among them, Mohit Khatri emerged as the most expensive Indian player, sold for ₹4.75 lakh during the league’s auction.
Khatri, captain of the Indian national team, views the league as a turning point for the sport’s future in India. With experience dating back to 2015 and a passion that began in his early school years, he believes the league will improve the game’s standard and increase exposure for young Indian players.
Rugby is being promoted not just as a physical game but also as a combination of multiple sports, with influences from kabaddi, football, and athletics. Khatri emphasized that despite the initial affordability of starting rugby, the sport requires heavy investment at the professional level including specialized coaching, nutrition, and strength training.
Each match in the RPL lasts approximately 22 minutes, split into four 4-minute quarters with short breaks. A match involves seven players on the pitch, including three forwards and four backs. League rules require at least two Indian players on the field at all times, alongside international and “bridge” players to balance experience and development.
The RPL is expected to play a vital role in improving India’s rugby rankings, currently 13th in Asia. With high-level exposure to Olympic-caliber talent and structured training environments, the hope is that Indian players will close the performance gap and bring the national team to greater heights. For viewers looking to experience the action, matches are being broadcast live on Star Sports Select 1 and Select 1 HD, and are also available for streaming via JioHotstar.
