GMR Rugby Premier League kicks off today: India’s rugby transformation begins at Andheri

The GMR Rugby Premier League (RPL) officially kicks off today at the Andheri Sports Complex, heralding a new era for rugby in India. This inaugural season, backed by GMR Sports as the title sponsor and joint organizer alongside Rugby India, aims to elevate the sport from its niche status to mainstream recognition.

Established in 1998, Rugby India, the sport's official governing body, has been steadily building the foundation for growth. Recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and awarded the Best Sports Federation for Development by FICCI in 2024, Rugby India is poised to leverage this league to accelerate rugby’s popularity.

Satyam Trivedi, CEO of GMR Sports, expressed confidence in the league's potential, stating, “This league has it all to make it big and successful in India. It is both a great broadcast product and a great on-ground property, and we are very proud of this partnership with Rugby India.”

The league’s launch is described as a “transformational” moment by Bose, a key figure in Indian rugby, who highlighted that the transformation will occur “on the field, and the other off the field.” This dual impact is expected to boost media coverage, including mass media, OTT platforms, and television, which have previously been reluctant to showcase rugby.

Despite challenges in sustaining franchise-based leagues in India’s dynamic sports environment, the RPL has attracted some of the biggest names in global rugby, signaling strong ambitions for the sport’s future in the country.

The league’s commencement is not just a sporting event but a milestone in India’s rugby transformation journey, promising to expand the sport’s reach and inspire a new generation of players and fans.

The GMR Rugby Premier League launches today at Andheri Sports Complex, marking a pivotal moment in India’s rugby journey. Backed by GMR Sports and Rugby India, the league aims to transform the sport both on and off the field, elevating rugby’s profile in a traditionally niche market.