Rugby Premier League Season 2 Kicks Off With Grand Opening Ceremony in Hyderabad
The second season of the Rugby Premier League has launched in Hyderabad, marking a significant growth phase for the sport in India. The two-week tournament features expanded men's and women's franchises, with government support highlighting the region's commitment to global-standard sporting events.
Highlights
- •Rugby Premier League Season 2 officially launched with a grand ceremony at Hyderabad's Gachibowli Stadium.
- •The season features a major expansion with six men's franchises and the newly introduced four women's franchises.
- •Distinguished guests including state officials and Rugby India leadership attended the opening, signaling strong institutional support.
- •The tournament runs from June 16 to June 28, showcasing talent from 20 countries in intense rugby sevens matches.
The highly anticipated Rugby Premier League Season 2 has officially commenced, signaled by a vibrant and grand opening ceremony held at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. This professional sporting event marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the sport across India, bringing together top-tier national and international rugby talent to compete on a prestigious stage.
Organized by GMR Sports in collaboration with Rugby India, the current season represents a major expansion for the league. This year, the competition features six men's franchises based in various cities, while also introducing four women's franchises. This inclusive approach is viewed as a vital step forward for the development and visibility of rugby as a professional sport in the nation.
Expanding the Rugby Premier League Footprint
During the opening event, distinguished guests and officials gathered to celebrate the start of the Rugby Premier League. Attendees included 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 popular film personality Shruti Haasan. The event also featured the formal unveiling of the Women’s Trophy.
Minister Sri Vakiti Srihari emphasized the government's commitment to transforming Telangana into a major sports hub through strategic infrastructure investments. He noted that hosting the Rugby Premier League underscores the region's capability to manage high-standard athletic competitions. Additionally, Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, and Dr. A. Soni Bala Devi, Vice Chairperson of the Sports Authority of Telangana, highlighted how such events bolster the local sports ecosystem and provide essential exposure for burgeoning athletes.
Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming matches, noting that the season is set to be more competitive than the inaugural edition. With participants representing 20 different countries, the league promises high-intensity action for fans. Sujoy Ganguly, CMO of GMR Sports, echoed these sentiments, stating that moving the competition to Hyderabad and adding women's teams are core elements of their long-term vision to build a sustainable and world-class rugby environment in India.
The tournament is scheduled to run from June 16 to June 28. Throughout these two weeks, Hyderabad will serve as the epicenter for the sport, hosting fast-paced rugby sevens matches that offer fans closer access to the professional action and various in-stadium activities.
