Rugby India has announced that the second edition of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) is scheduled to take place at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad from June 16 to 28. Following a successful debut in Mumbai last year, this edition will feature the same six franchises, showcasing top Indian and international players to offer an action-packed rugby experience for fans.
Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to Government (Youth Advancement, Tourism & Culture & Sports Department), Government of Telangana, expressed delight in hosting the league in Hyderabad. He highlighted the city’s rise as a global sporting hub, attributing it to Telangana’s strategic vision and support for international collaborations like the Rugby Premier League.
Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, emphasized the league’s commitment to continuous improvement. He stated that the focus remains on enhancing fan experience, sponsor relations, and partnerships with franchises and stakeholders. The upcoming RPL 2026 in Hyderabad aims to elevate the quality of rugby, promising an enhanced viewer experience and a top-notch sporting spectacle.
The decision to host the league in Hyderabad aligns with GMR Sports’ efforts to develop premier sporting facilities. This move follows GMR Sports’ partnership with the Government of Telangana to establish a Satellite Sports City within Bharat Future City. The CEO of GMR Sports, Satyam Trivedi, highlighted Hyderabad’s infrastructure, connectivity, and enthusiastic fan base as key factors in selecting the city for the second season of the Rugby Premier League.
A. Sonibala Devi, IFS, Vice Chairman & Managing Director of the Sports Authority of Telangana (SATG), underscored the event’s importance in nurturing high-performance athletes. She noted that hosting the Rugby Premier League at the Gachibowli Stadium enhances the state’s sporting ecosystem and provides exposure to emerging talent, reinforcing Telangana’s commitment to sporting excellence.
The upcoming second edition of the Rugby Premier League is set to deliver elite rugby competition in a proven league format, now in a new host city, further bolstering the growth of rugby in India.
