Rugby India has revealed plans to include women’s franchises in the upcoming second season of the Rugby Premier League (RPL). The league, set to take place from June 16 to 28 at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad, will expand on the success of its inaugural season held in Mumbai last year, featuring six men’s franchises.
Scheduled for April 30 in Hyderabad, the player draft and auction will determine the composition of four women’s teams and six men’s teams, including notable names like Hyderabad Heroes and Bengaluru Bravehearts. Notably, four of the existing men’s teams will also introduce women’s teams into the league.
The move to incorporate women’s teams underscores the league’s dedication to nurturing a strong and sustainable rugby environment while offering a premier platform for female athletes to exhibit their skills at a top-tier level. Rugby Premier League has played a significant role in promoting rugby nationwide, and the inclusion of women’s teams is expected to further enhance the league’s reputation and inspire aspiring players.
Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, expressed his excitement about the introduction of the RPL Women edition, emphasizing the league’s partnership with GMR Sports and franchise owners. Sujoy Ganguly, CMO of GMR Sports, highlighted the significance of including women’s teams in the Rugby Premier League, emphasizing the league’s commitment to talent development across genders and the growth of rugby’s appeal in the country.
