Rugby Premier League to introduce Women’s franchises in season 2

The GMR Sports and Rugby India have announced the introduction of women’s franchises in Season 2 of the HSBC Rugby Premier League (RPL), marking a significant step towards expanding the sport’s ecosystem in the country.

The upcoming edition of the league will see four of the six existing men’s franchises also field women’s teams. These include Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Mumbai Dreamers, and Kolkata Banga Tigers, the latter having relocated from Bhubaneswar. The move is aimed at creating greater opportunities for female athletes and strengthening the development pathway in Indian rugby.

The second season of the HSBC Rugby Premier League is scheduled to take place from June 16 to 28 at the Gachibowli Stadium. The inaugural edition, held in Mumbai in 2025, featured six men’s teams and played a key role in increasing the sport’s visibility across the country.

League expands with focus on inclusivity

Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, said the introduction of a women’s competition has long been a priority and reflects the growing appeal of women’s rugby globally. He added that the upcoming season will showcase the strength of Indian female players on a professional stage.

Sujoy Ganguly, Chief Marketing Officer at GMR Sports, noted that the expansion aligns with the organisation’s vision of building inclusive sporting platforms while raising the competitive standard of the league.

The player draft and auction for both men’s and women’s teams, including Hyderabad Heroes and Bengaluru Bravehearts, is set to be held on April 30 in Hyderabad.

With this addition, the league aims to further boost participation, visibility, and long-term development of rugby in India.