GMR Sports and Rugby India Announce Second Edition of Rugby Premier League in Hyderabad from June 16 to 28, 2026

GMR Sports, in partnership with Rugby India, the national governing body for the sport, announced that the second edition of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) will be held at the Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad, from June 16 to 28, 2026.

Tournament Details
- Dates & Venue: June 16–28, 2026 at Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad.
- Format: Rugby 7s, continuing from the successful inaugural edition in Mumbai.
- Teams: The same six franchises from the first edition will compete, featuring top Indian and international players.

Strategic Vision
- Growth of Rugby in India: RPL aims to accelerate competitiveness and expand the sport’s footprint nationally.
- Hyderabad as Host: Aligns with GMR Sports’ MoU with the Telangana Government to develop a Satellite Sports City within Bharat Future City.
- Sports Ecosystem: Reinforces Hyderabad’s emergence as a global sporting destination.

Leadership Perspectives
- Sri Jayesh Ranjan (Govt. of Telangana): Hosting RPL boosts tourism, visibility, and the state’s sports economy.
- Rahul Bose (President, Rugby India): Emphasized continuous improvement — better fan experience, stronger sponsor value, and world-class execution.
- Satyam Trivedi (CEO, GMR Sports): Highlighted Hyderabad’s infrastructure, connectivity, and passionate fan base as ideal for RPL.
- Dr. A. Sonibala Devi (SATG): Stressed the importance of high-performance exposure for emerging talent.

GMR Sports Portfolio
- Owns franchises across multiple sports: Delhi Capitals (IPL), UP Yoddhas (Pro Kabaddi), Telugu Yoddhas (Ultimate Kho Kho), plus international teams in Dubai, Pretoria, Seattle, and Hampshire.
- The Rugby Premier League adds to its diverse portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to indigenous and global sports.

Big Picture:
RPL 2026 is positioned not just as a tournament, but as a catalyst for rugby’s growth in India, while also strengthening Hyderabad’s profile as a premier sports hub.