Rugby Premier League 2025: Squad, tournament format, all you need to know

The inaugural edition of the Rugby Premier League will be played from June 15 to 29.

The wait for Season 1 of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) is finally over as Matchday 1 is upon us. Fast, physical, fearless —the first ever franchise-based Rugby Sevens league in the world, which is organised by Rugby India and GMR Sports, will host the who’s who from the world of rugby, in Mumbai. Here are all thing you need to know about RPL 2025.

What are the teams and where do the players come from?

Battling it out for top honours are six franchises—Bengaluru Bravehearts, Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Hyderabad Heroes, Kalinga Black Tigers, and the Mumbai Dreamers.

The RPL 2025 will feature 30 marquee international players from powerhouse Rugby Sevens nations, including New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Fiji, Argentina, Great Britain, Ireland, USA and Spain. Additionally, 18 international players from Canada, Hong Kong, and Germany will also be part of the tournament, enhancing the league’s competitive depth.

Last but not the least, the Rugby Premier League will also see 30 Indian players selected from an auction pool of 71, participate alongside the international legends.

Also Read: Rugby Premier League: List of all top Indian players participating in RPL season 1

What is the squad composition?

Each squad will have 13 players with two Indian players required to be on the field of play at all times during the game. At any given point in time, there will be seven players on the field of play. The seven is then divided into three forwards and four backs.

The forwards are the big, and physical players who will compete in the scrum and lineouts. Meanwhile, the backs are the fast, agile, and athletic players. The backs are the players who usually score most of the points in a game.

13 players – (5 Marquee + 3 Bridge + 5 Indian) + 5 Management (Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Physiotherapist, Massage Therapist and S&C).

The starting Seven players in RPL 2025 will feature two international players, two international Bridge Players + two Indian players + 1 Coaches choice.

Also Read: Who are the international players taking part in Rugby Premier League season 1?

What is the format of the matches?

Each game will be played in four quarters which will be off four minutes each, with a break of two minutes in between each phase. The total time duration for one match is not expected to exceed 22 minutes.

Where will the Rugby Premier League be played?

Season 1 of the GMR Rugby Premier League kicks off on 15 June, with a final scheduled for 29 June, in Mumbai at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex (Andheri Sports Complex).

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