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Rugby India Launches Women's Franchises in Premier League Season 2

Rugby India has announced the introduction of women's franchises in the second season of the Rugby Premier League. Four existing men's teams - Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Mumbai Dreamers, and Kolkata Banga Tigers - will also field women's teams. The league will be held from June 16-28 at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. The player draft and auction for all teams will take place on April 30 in Hyderabad.

Key Points: Rugby India Introduces Women's Teams in Premier League Season 2

  • Four existing men's teams to field women's sides
  • League runs June 16-28 in Hyderabad
  • Player draft and auction on April 30
  • Move aims to boost inclusivity and women's rugby
2 min read

Rugby India announce introduction of women's franchises in season 2 of Rugby Premier League

Rugby India announces women's franchises in Rugby Premier League season 2, with four teams fielding women's sides. The league runs June 16-28 in Hyderabad.

"It has always been our dream at Rugby India to have an RPL Women's edition. This year, that dream comes to fruition. - Rahul Bose"

New Delhi, April 27

Rugby India announced a landmark step in the evolution of the Rugby Premier League with the introduction of women's franchises in its second season on Monday.

Building on the success of the inaugural 2025 edition, four of the existing six men's teams, Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Mumbai Dreamers, and Kolkata Banga Tigers, formerly Kalinga Black Tigers and now relocated from Bhubaneswar to Kolkata, will also field women's teams. This marks a significant stride towards inclusivity and the growth of rugby in India.

The addition of women's teams underscores the league's commitment to fostering a robust and sustainable rugby ecosystem while providing a premier platform for female athletes to showcase their talent at the highest level, according to a press release from Rugby India.

The HSBC Rugby Premier League, scheduled to be held from June 16-28 at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad, builds on the strong foundation of its debut season held in Mumbai last year, which featured six men's franchises.

The league has rapidly emerged as a key driver in popularising rugby across the country. The introduction of women's teams is expected to further elevate the league's profile and inspire the next generation of players.

Rahul Bose, President, Rugby India, said, "It has always been our dream at Rugby India to have an RPL Women's edition. This year, that dream comes to fruition. We have our partners, GMR Sports and our wonderful franchises to thank. Women's 7s rugby across the world is as exciting as Men's 7s rugby. And our Indian women are superb! Come and witness the action in Hyderabad!"

Sujoy Ganguly, CMO, GMR Sports, added, "At GMR Sports, we have always believed in building platforms that drive meaningful change in Indian sport. The inclusion of women's teams in the Rugby Premier League is a natural and important progression for the league. It reflects our commitment to nurturing talent across genders, while continuing to elevate the overall standard and appeal of rugby in the country."

The player draft and auction for the four women's teams and six men's teams, including Hyderabad Heroes and Bengaluru Bravehearts, will take place in Hyderabad on April 30.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

T
Tanya I
Great step but let's be honest - rugby is still very niche in India. We need more grassroots programs in schools and colleges first. This franchise model might work for cricket but rugby needs organic growth from the ground up.
A
Anushka E
As someone who played rugby in college, this makes me so happy! Women's 7s is incredibly fast and exciting. Badiya move by Rugby India and GMR Sports. Bas ab girls ko proper facilities milni chahiye! 🙌
R
Rahul R
The relocation of Kalinga Black Tigers to Kolkata as Banga Tigers is interesting. Hope this doesn't dilute the fanbase from Odisha. But overall, women's franchises is a progressive move - similar to how WPL boosted women's cricket.
J
Jennifer L
Love seeing rugby grow in India! Having played rugby in college in the US, I know the potential here. Women's 7s is electric and Indian athletes have the speed and agility to excel. Rahul Bose is absolutely right - our women are superb! 🇮🇳🏉
N
Naveen S
Good initiative but 4 women's teams vs 6 men's teams? Should have been equal from the start. And why not include a team from North East? That region has amazing raw talent for rugby. Hoping this expands in future seasons.
S
Shreya B

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