Rugby Revolution: India's Rural Game Goes Pro with RPL
Under the leadership of Rahul Bose, Rugby in India has expanded to 322 districts, marking 40% coverage. The Rugby Premier League (RPL) debuts as the world’s first franchise-based league, aiming to transform Indian rugby by drawing players from underserved regions and showcasing high-octane matches.
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Rahul Bose, President of the Indian Rugby Football Union, has brought attention to the growing popularity of rugby in India, noting its presence in 322 of the nation's 760 districts. This marks a significant expansion for the sport, covering about 40% of India, and reaching an estimated 600 million people.
On June 15, Rugby India launched the inaugural Rugby Premier League (RPL), the first franchise-based league worldwide. Major teams such as Bengaluru Bravehearts, Chennai Bulls, and Mumbai Dreamers are part of this transformative venture, aiming to elevate the sport's ecosystem and enhance its appeal nationally.
Bose emphasized the grassroots nature of rugby in India, highlighting its prevalence among economically disadvantaged populations. He underscored the resilience and potential of players emerging from rural and urban poor areas, further showing that rugby offers lessons in teamwork, dealing with fear, and gracefully accepting loss.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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