Hyderabad Heroes Bolster Squad for Rugby Premier League Season 2
Hyderabad Heroes Enhance Their Roster
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], May 14: The Hyderabad Heroes have made significant additions to their team ahead of the second season of the Rugby Premier League. They have retained key international players Manu Moreno and Kevin Wekesa, while also acquiring Indian talent Sumit Kumar Roy during a competitive auction held last month.
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, which is set to take place in Hyderabad from June 16 to June 28.
Sumit Kumar Roy emerged as the highest-bid Indian player during the auction, fetching Rs 3.75 lakh after an intense bidding contest among three teams, ultimately returning to the Hyderabad Heroes, the team he represented last season.
Supported by KLO Sports, the Hyderabad Heroes had a clear strategy for the auction, successfully reacquiring three players they had previously released due to retention rules. Sambit Pradhan and Wolfram Hacker will don the blue and yellow colors once again in Season 2, guided by Hall of Famer and head coach DJ Forbes.
“We were very pleased with our performance in Season 1, and our strategy was straightforward: we aimed to bring back as many players as possible. DJ Forbes led the team excellently last season, and with the auction completed, we are eager to start our campaign for Season 2. We wish the team the best of luck and will do everything we can to support them behind the scenes,” stated Srinath Chitturi, Co-Owner of KLO Sports.
Sumit Kumar Roy expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “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 time. 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.”
After finishing with a bronze in Season 1, the Hyderabad Heroes were undefeated during the league stages. The revamped squad aims to improve their standings. The complete roster includes several international rugby heavyweights from the legendary All Blacks (New Zealand), Spain, Australia, Kenya, Uruguay, Samoa, and India, creating a diverse blend of talent 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.