Rugby Premier League adds women’s franchises marking major expansion milestone in India sport
Hyderabad
The Rugby Premier League has announced a landmark expansion with the introduction of women’s franchises in its second season, marking a significant step forward for rugby development in India and strengthening opportunities for female athletes at the professional level.
Building on the success of the inaugural 2025 edition, the league will now feature women’s teams alongside the men’s competition, expanding its reach and ambition. Four existing men’s franchises—Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Mumbai Dreamers, and Kolkata Banga Tigers—will field women’s sides in the upcoming season, signalling a structured push toward gender inclusion in the sport.
The inclusion is being viewed as a transformative moment for Indian rugby, aimed at building a sustainable ecosystem that supports both men’s and women’s participation at a high-performance level. Officials have emphasised that the move is designed not only to broaden the player base but also to elevate the competitive standard of the league.
The league will be held from June 16 to 28 at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad, continuing its partnership with HSBC as title sponsor. The first season, staged in Mumbai, featured six men’s franchises and played a key role in increasing visibility for rugby in the country.
With the expansion, the league is expected to attract greater attention from fans, broadcasters, and young athletes, especially women who now have a clearer professional pathway within the sport. The introduction of women’s teams is also expected to inspire grassroots participation and strengthen the overall rugby structure in India.
Rahul Bose, president of Rugby India, welcomed the development, calling it a long-awaited and visionary step that aligns with the federation’s long-term goals. He highlighted the growing pool of talented women players and expressed optimism about the impact the league will have on their development.
Sujoy Ganguly, Chief Marketing Officer at GMR Sports, described the expansion as a natural progression of the league’s evolution, stressing its commitment to nurturing talent across both genders while enhancing the entertainment and competitive value of the tournament.
The player draft and auction for both men’s and women’s teams, including new franchises Hyderabad Heroes and Bengaluru Bravehearts, is scheduled to take place in Hyderabad on April 30, setting the stage for an expanded and more inclusive second season.
