Rugby Premier League to introduce women’s franchises in second season; Hyderabad to host draft

The Rugby Premier League will introduce women’s franchises in its second season, marking a major step for the sport in India. Four men’s teams will field women’s squads, with the player draft scheduled in Hyderabad on April 30.

Hyderabad: GMR Sports, in partnership with Rugby India, on Monday announced a landmark step in the evolution of the HSBC Rugby Premier League (RPL) with the introduction of women’s franchises in its second season.

Building on the success of the inaugural 2025 edition, four of the existing six men’s teams—Chennai Bulls (owned by Avid Sys Sports), Delhi Redz (owned by RMZ Corp), Mumbai Dreamers (owned by Dream Sports), and Kolkata Banga Tigers (owned by Hunch Ventures), 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.

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

The introduction of women’s teams is expected to further elevate the league’s profile and inspire the next generation of players.

Speaking on the development, Mr Rahul Bose, President, Rugby India, said: “It has always been our dream at Rugby India to have an RPL Women 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!”

Mr Sujoy Ganguly, CMO, GMR Sports, said “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.

Rugby India is the official national sports body for Rugby Union in India. It is affiliated to World Rugby, Asia Rugby, IOA, and is recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sport, (MYAS). It is responsible for the growth and development of the sport across India.