Hyderabad Heroes beat Mumbai Dreamers to bag HSBC Rugby Premier League title

Hyderabad Heroes defeated Mumbai Dreamers 41-17 to win the HSBC Rugby Premier League title. Strong defence, quick counter-attacks and clinical finishing helped Hyderabad dominate the final, while Bengaluru Bravehearts secured third place after edging Chennai Bulls

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Heroes were crowned champions of the HSBC Rugby Premier League after defeating Mumbai Dreamers 41-17 in a thrilling final at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday.

The Dreamers dominated early possession but were unable to convert it into points as Hyderabad’s disciplined defence forced crucial turnovers. The Heroes capitalised through swift counter-attacks, with Francisco Cosculluela’s steal setting up Taitaifono Tavita before Manuel Moreno won possession to create an easy finish for Shivam Shukla. Maurice Longbottom then added a drop goal to give Hyderabad complete control heading into the break.

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The Heroes maintained their relentless tempo after half-time, with Tavita again creating space on the left for Diego Ardao to score. Mumbai finally found a breakthrough as quicker ball movement released Ethan McFarland, but Hyderabad continued to punish turnovers, with Ardao grabbing his second before Kevin Wekesa finished a flowing move out wide. Terio Tamani extended the advantage early in the final quarter, while James Turner pulled one back for the Dreamers before setting up Sukumar Hembrom late on. However, Hyderabad’s clinical finishing and defensive intensity ensured they closed out a commanding victory.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru Bravehearts secured third place after defeating Chennai Bulls 22-19 in an entertaining play-off encounter.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Mr Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Corporate Chairman, GMR Group, Mr Chiranjeevi, film star and philanthropist, Ms P.V. Sindhu, World Champion and Olympic medallist, Ms Mrunal Thakur, acclaimed Indian actress, Mr G.B.S. Raju, Chairman, GMR Airports Ltd., and Mr Rahul Bose, President, Rugby India and League Commissioner of the Rugby Premier League, graced the prize distribution function.