Rugby India Expands Inclusivity with Women's Franchises in Premier League

In a groundbreaking move, Rugby India has introduced women's franchises into the Rugby Premier League (RPL) for its second season, marking a pivotal step toward inclusivity in the sport. The addition comes after the successful inaugural season in 2025, where six men's franchises competed. This year, four of those teams, including the likes of Chennai Bulls and Mumbai Dreamers, will also field women's teams, broadening opportunities for female athletes.

Rugby India's press release emphasized its commitment to building a sustainable rugby ecosystem with an equal focus on women's sports. The HSBC Rugby Premier League, scheduled for June 16-28 at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad, aims to provide a premier platform for female talent to shine.

According to Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, the expansion fulfills a long-held dream of having a women's edition in the league, made possible through collaborations with partners including GMR Sports. Sujoy Ganguly, CMO of GMR Sports, noted that this move is key to driving meaningful change in Indian sports by nurturing talent across genders. The upcoming player draft and auction, scheduled for April 30, will set the stage for both men's and women's teams in the league.

(With inputs from agencies.)