Rugby Premier League to Launch in India, Combining International Talent with a Vision for Domestic Growth

India is set to welcome a dynamic addition to its roster of professional sports with the launch of the Rugby Premier League (RPL). This new sevens rugby tournament will feature top international players competing alongside India's best talent, offering both high-octane entertainment and a strategic platform for the sport's long-term growth in the country.

According to Rugby India president Rahul Bose, the league is a crucial "means to an end." He hopes the excitement of the game will reach households nationwide, creating a significant knock-on effect for rugby's development.

Bose emphasizes a strategy of "deepening" rather than "broadening" the sport's presence. With rugby already played in 322 districts, the focus is on strengthening the existing ecosystem.

"You don't broaden; you deepen," Bose states. "You don't want the talented rugby players to go anywhere else. You don't want them to play another sport. So, you have to get it right in the first 322, before moving onto the next 322."

This approach involves enhancing the quality of coaching, improving playing facilities, and establishing a clear and rewarding pathway for athletes. "For parents, and for children, it's important to have that pathway," he adds.