Hyderabad Welcomes Rugby Premier League Season 2 with Spectacular Opening Ceremony

The HSBC Rugby Premier League (RPL) powered by Avid officially got underway with a grand opening ceremony at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad, ushering in a landmark new chapter for professional rugby in India. 

Organised by GMR Sports in partnership with Rugby India, the second season of the league promises to be its biggest yet, featuring expanded participation, greater international representation and, for the first time, the introduction of a women’s competition. Held in Hyderabad for the first time, the ceremony celebrated not only the start of another exciting season but also the unveiling of the Women’s Rugby Premier League trophy, highlighting the league’s commitment to expanding opportunities for female athletes in the sport.

With six men’s franchises and four women’s franchises competing over the coming weeks, Season 2 is expected to further elevate rugby’s profile across the country.

The launch event attracted several prominent dignitaries from government, sport and entertainment, reflecting the growing importance of the Rugby Premier League within India’s sporting landscape. Among those in attendance were Sri Vakiti Srihari, Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Telangana; Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Corporate Chairman of the GMR Group; Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India; and actor-singer Shruti Haasan, alongside players, officials and invited guests.

The gathering symbolised the collaborative effort between public institutions and private stakeholders to develop rugby as a mainstream sport in India.

Welcoming the league to Hyderabad, Sports Minister Sri Vakiti Srihari emphasised Telangana’s ambition to establish itself as a leading destination for major sporting events. He highlighted the state’s continued investments in world-class infrastructure and progressive sports policies, noting that hosting competitions such as the Rugby Premier League helps create opportunities for young athletes while strengthening the sporting ecosystem.

The minister also praised the inclusion of women’s franchises, describing it as an important step towards making rugby more inclusive and accessible across the country.

Senior government officials echoed similar sentiments regarding the significance of hosting the tournament. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to the Government of Telangana, stated that bringing the Rugby Premier League to Hyderabad reflects the state’s long-term vision of becoming a premier sporting destination capable of organising events of international standards.

Meanwhile, Dr. A. Soni Bala Devi, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Sports Authority of Telangana, underlined the extensive infrastructure and operational support provided to ensure the successful conduct of the competition.

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The choice of Hyderabad as the host city reinforces its growing reputation for staging high-profile sporting events across multiple disciplines.

Perhaps the most significant development for Season 2 is the introduction of the women’s Rugby Premier League, marking a historic milestone for the sport in India. The unveiling of the women’s trophy during the opening ceremony symbolised a new era, with four city-based franchises set to compete alongside the established men’s teams. The move is expected to provide female rugby players with increased visibility, stronger competitive opportunities and a professional platform that can accelerate the growth of the women’s game nationally.

By incorporating women’s rugby into its flagship competition, the league has taken an important step towards creating a more comprehensive and sustainable rugby ecosystem.

Rahul Bose: Bigger and Better Than Ever

Rugby India President Rahul Bose described Season 2 as a significant evolution from the league’s successful inaugural edition. According to Bose, the competition now features a greater number of world-class players, representation from 20 countries, enhanced fan engagement and, most notably, the addition of the women’s tournament. He also pointed to improved match-day experiences, including closer seating arrangements and expanded in-stadium activities designed to bring supporters nearer to the action.

These enhancements reflect the organisers’ ambition to make the Rugby Premier League one of Asia’s premier rugby competitions.

Sujoy Ganguly, Chief Marketing Officer of GMR Sports, highlighted that expanding the competition and introducing women’s franchises aligns with the organisation’s broader vision of building a world-class rugby ecosystem in India. He acknowledged the support of the Telangana government, Rugby India, franchise owners and fans in helping transform the league into a rapidly growing sporting property.

The emphasis on long-term development rather than short-term success has been central to the league’s strategy since its inception.

Season 2 continues the Rugby Premier League’s model of blending elite overseas professionals with India’s top domestic players. The presence of internationally accomplished athletes alongside emerging Indian talent creates valuable learning opportunities while raising the overall standard of competition. For local players, competing and training with world-class stars offers exposure that can accelerate development and improve India’s competitiveness on the global rugby stage.

The expanded international representation this year further enhances the league’s reputation and appeal.

For the next two weeks, the Gachibowli Stadium will serve as the centre of rugby activity in India. Running from June 16 to June 28, the tournament promises fast-paced rugby sevens action featuring six men’s teams and four women’s franchises battling for championship honours. Fans can expect multiple matches each day, showcasing the speed, athleticism and excitement that have made rugby sevens one of the fastest-growing formats worldwide.

The grand opening ceremony set the perfect tone for what could become the most significant edition of the Rugby Premier League to date. Beyond the on-field competition, the introduction of women’s franchises, increased international participation and strong institutional backing demonstrate the league’s broader ambition of transforming rugby’s landscape in India. As Hyderabad hosts the nation’s premier rugby event for the first time, Season 2 represents not just another tournament but a statement of intent. 

With growing fan interest, improved infrastructure and world-class talent on display, the HSBC Rugby Premier League continues to position itself as a driving force behind the sport’s development in the country and a platform capable of inspiring the next generation of Indian rugby players.