Delhi Redz launches women's team ahead of Rugby Premier League season 2
New Delhi, June 17
Delhi Redz is entering a new chapter. For the second season of the Rugby Premier League, the club has launched a women's team, a move that signals where the franchise intends to go.
After a strong debut season from the men's side, the addition of a women's team marks a natural next step for the club. Its stated ambition has always extended beyond results: to grow rugby in India, build a genuine sporting movement, and give a new generation of athletes and fans something to rally behind.
The timing is significant. For the first time, four women's franchises will compete at the national level in the RPL, held in Hyderabad. It marks a real moment for the women's game in the country, and Delhi Redz has positioned itself to be part of it from the start.
The squad brings together elite international and Indian talent, with marquee players from Brazil, Fiji, Canada and South Africa lining up alongside some of India's most exciting young athletes. The team will be led by Head Coach Edwin Cocker of Brazil, with Arun Dagar as Assistant Coach.
The launch arrives at a pivotal time for women's rugby in India. Participation has grown by 66% since 2019, and India's U-18 and U-20 women's national teams now rank among the strongest in Asia. Delhi Redz aims to give elite female athletes a national stage while drawing more girls into the game at the grassroots level -- across schools, colleges and communities.
Commenting on the launch, Delhi Redz leadership Sidharth and Mihir Menda said: "Delhi Redz was never built to be just a rugby team. It was built to become a symbol of ambition, resilience and opportunity for a new generation of Indian athletes. The women's team is an important milestone in that journey. Across the country, there are extraordinary women athletes with the talent, discipline and determination to succeed. What they need is visibility, platforms and belief. Our ambition goes far beyond winning matches. We want to build role models, create pathways for future athletes and contribute meaningfully to the growth of rugby in India. If more young girls pick up a rugby ball because they saw themselves in this team, we will have achieved something far greater than sporting success."
At its core, Delhi Redz stands for a new era of Indian sport -- relentless, inclusive, ambitious and proudly rooted in culture. With both men's and women's teams now under the banner, the club is building a platform to grow the game, celebrate its athletes and leave a lasting legacy for rugby in India.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who played rugby in college, this is huge! 🏉 The women's game in India has been crying out for visibility. Bringing in international players from Brazil and Fiji will give our girls so much exposure. But I hope they also focus on developing local talent from rural areas where rugby is growing.
The inclusion of four women's franchises is a game-changer for Indian rugby. The U-18 and U-20 rankings in Asia are impressive. This isn't just about sport—it's about giving young women a platform to dream. Kudos to Delhi Redz for leading from the front.
I'm excited but slightly skeptical. Will this get the same media coverage as the men's team? We need consistent support, not just a launch event. That said, I'm hopeful. The statement about building role models is spot on. If even one girl in my neighbourhood starts playing because of this, it's a win.
As a Delhiite, I'm proud to see this. 🏏 But seriously, rugby needs more visibility in India. The grassroots push across schools and colleges is key. If Delhi Redz can make rugby aspirational for young girls, that would be a massive contribution. The squad composition looks good—experienced internationals mixed with young Indian talent.
Wonderful to see women's rugby getting a professional platform in India. The U-18 and U-20 teams ranking among the best in Asia is a testament to the potential. This isn't just a team; it's an investment in the future of Indian sport. I hope other franchises follow suit.
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