Hyderabad Heroes Bolster Squad for Rugby Premier League Season 2
Hyderabad Heroes Enhance Their Roster
The Hyderabad Heroes have made significant strides in strengthening their team ahead of the Rugby Premier League Season 2. They have retained pivotal international players Manu Moreno and Kevin Wekesa, while also acquiring Indian player Sumit Kumar Roy during a competitive auction held last month.
Focus on Continuity and Experience
After securing a bronze medal in the inaugural season, the franchise is prioritizing continuity and experience as they aim for greater success in the upcoming tournament, scheduled from June 16 to June 28 in Hyderabad. Sumit Kumar Roy emerged as the highest-bid Indian player, fetching Rs 3.75 lakh after a bidding contest among three teams, ultimately returning to the Hyderabad Heroes, the team he represented last season.
Strategic Player Retention
Supported by KLO Sports, the Hyderabad Heroes executed a well-defined auction strategy, successfully reacquiring three players they had previously released due to retention rules. Sambit Pradhan and Wolfram Hacker will don the blue and yellow jerseys once more in Season 2, under the mentorship of Hall of Famer and head coach DJ Forbes.
Optimism for the Upcoming Season
"We were very pleased with our performance in Season 1, and our strategy was clear: we aimed to retain as many players as possible. DJ Forbes led the team excellently last season, and with the recent auction, we are eager to commence our Season 2 campaign. We wish the team the best of luck and will support them behind the scenes to ensure they have the right momentum on the field," stated Srinath Chitturi, Co-Owner of KLO Sports.
"Having played for the Hyderabad Heroes last season, I am excited to compete for them again this year and aim for a better outcome than last year. The trust shown by the coach and management in bringing me back, along with my fellow teammates, boosts my confidence for the upcoming season. I look forward to playing alongside our new teammates and can't wait to kick off our campaign," expressed Sumit Kumar Roy.
A Diverse and Talented Team
The Hyderabad Heroes, who finished third in Season 1, remained undefeated during the league stages. The revamped squad is determined to improve their standings this season.
The complete roster for the Hyderabad Heroes features a mix of international rugby stars, including players from the renowned All Blacks (New Zealand), as well as representatives from Spain, Australia, Kenya, Uruguay, Samoa, and India, creating a rich blend of talent across various nationalities in Rugby 7s.
Final Squad:
Internationals: Manuel Moreno Asensi, Kevin Wekesa, Maurice Longbottom, Regan Ware, Francisco Cosculluela, Diego Ardao, Dante Sotonida, Ravuama Seruvakula, Wolfram Hacker.