Rugby Premier League 2026 Set to Kick Off in Hyderabad

The Rugby Premier League is set to return to India in 2026, taking place at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. This edition promises to build on the success of its inaugural season, featuring the same six franchises and a focus on enhancing the rugby experience for fans. With a strategic partnership between GMR Sports and the Telangana Government, the event aims to strengthen the sports ecosystem in the region. Key figures from Rugby India and the Telangana Government have expressed their commitment to delivering a world-class sporting event that will elevate rugby's profile in India. Don't miss out on the exciting developments leading up to RPL 2026!

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 6, 2026, 15:18 IST

Rugby Premier League Returns to India

Rugby India, the governing body for rugby in the country, has announced that the second edition of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) will take place at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad from June 16 to June 28, 2026.

After a successful inaugural season in Mumbai last year, the RPL is back, featuring the fast-paced Rugby 7s format. This aligns with the league's vision to enhance the growth and global standing of rugby in India. The upcoming edition will include the same six franchises from the first season, providing a high-performance platform that unites top Indian and international players, while delivering an exciting rugby experience for fans.

Collaboration with Telangana Government

The choice of Hyderabad as the host city reflects GMR Sports' commitment to fostering world-class sports environments. This announcement follows a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Telangana Government, aimed at developing a Satellite Sports City within Bharat Future City. This partnership emphasizes the focus on sports infrastructure, innovation, and athlete development.

Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to the Government of Telangana, expressed enthusiasm for the league's arrival, stating, "Hyderabad's rise as a global sports hub showcases Telangana's long-term vision and support for international collaborations. Events like the Rugby Premier League significantly boost tourism and enhance the state's sports economy."

Vision for RPL 2026

Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, shared insights on the league's evolution, stating, "In everything we do, the goal is to improve and deliver better experiences. This will remain the foundation of the RPL."

He elaborated on the league's execution philosophy, emphasizing the importance of creating a world-class event. "We aim to enhance the fan experience, provide thrilling rugby, and deliver an exceptional television and OTT product. Collaboration with our partners, including the media, is crucial for our success. We look forward to an exciting RPL 2026!"

Hyderabad: The Perfect Venue

Satyam Trivedi, CEO of GMR Sports, highlighted the decision to host the RPL in Hyderabad, stating, "We are thrilled to bring the second season of the Rugby Premier League to the world-class Gachibowli Stadium. The city's excellent sports infrastructure, connectivity, and passionate fan base make it an ideal location for the league. One of our franchise partners is based in Hyderabad, emphasizing the city's significance in our long-term rugby vision in India."

Enhancing India's Sports Ecosystem

A. Sonibala Devi, IFS, Vice Chairman & Managing Director of the Sports Authority of Telangana (SATG), underscored the event's importance for high-performance sports, stating, "Hosting the Rugby Premier League at Gachibowli Stadium enhances our high-performance ecosystem and offers invaluable exposure to emerging talent. Such international events accelerate athlete development and reinforce Telangana's commitment to sporting excellence."

With a competitive format, a new host city, and elite competition, the second edition of the Rugby Premier League is poised to deliver exceptional rugby while playing a crucial role in the sport's development in India.