Hyderabad Heroes crowned HSBC Rugby Premier League season 2 champions
HYDERABAD: Hyderabad Heroes won the HSBC Rugby Premier League Season 2. They beat the Mumbai Dreamers 41-17 in the final at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday.
Hyderabad Heroes collected the championship trophy and a prize of Rs. 45 lakhs. Mumbai Dreamers secured second place and received Rs. 25 lakhs. Bengaluru Bravehearts finished third and took home Rs. 15 lakhs.
In addition, six men’s teams played 34 matches over 13 days. The league featured 84 players, including 54 international players from 19 countries and 30 Indian players. The tournament drew strong competition and built a reputation as a leading rugby sevens event in the region. This season, the league launched a women’s competition for the first time. Four teams played 14 matches with 48 players. Delhi Redz claimed the title. The new women’s league gave female athletes a professional stage and promoted inclusion.
Reflecting on the season, Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, said this season outdid last year’s in every way. He pointed to larger crowds, more top players, the debut of the women’s league, and wider broadcast coverage. Sujoy Ganguly, Chief Marketing Officer of GMR Sports, stated that the league shapes India’s sports scene. He said the league inspires young talent and develops grassroots rugby.
Furthermore, fans enjoyed fast-paced games with top international and Indian players. The league focused on developing Indian athletes. Local players trained and competed with international experts. This experience will help raise Indian rugby standards.
Moreover, the event boosted Hyderabad’s reputation as a host for major sports events. It also raised India’s profile as a global sports destination. GMR Sports and Rugby India plan to expand the league, strengthen grassroots programs, and encourage more participation in schools and communities. The launch of the women’s competition and Season 2’s success have made the HSBC Rugby Premier League a driving force for change in Indian rugby.
In the final, Hyderabad Heroes played a sharp, disciplined game against Mumbai Dreamers. Mumbai held early possession but could not score. Hyderabad’s defense forced turnovers and led to quick counter-attacks. Francisco Cosculluela’s steal set up Taitaifono Tavita. Manuel Moreno won possession and helped Shivam Shukla score. Maurice Longbottom kicked a drop goal to give Hyderabad control at halftime.
After halftime, Hyderabad maintained their intensity. Tavita set up Diego Ardao for a score. Mumbai responded with a try from Ethan McFarland. Hyderabad kept forcing turnovers and capitalized on their chances. Ardao scored again, and Kevin Wekesa finished a wide play. Terio Tamani extended Hyderabad’s lead. James Turner and Sukumar Hembrom scored for Mumbai, but Hyderabad’s strong defense and finishing secured the win.
Finally, in the third-place match, the Bulls started strong. Marika Koroibete intercepted a pass and set up Jugal Majhi’s try. Bengaluru Bravehearts responded. Shilton Wyk broke through, and Jonas Mikalcius and Ganesh Majhi scored from the wings to build a lead. Chennai fought back with tries from Marcus Kershaw and Filipe Sauturaga. Akuila Rokolisoa scored late to seal the win for Bengaluru.
The tournament ended its second season on a high note and boosted rugby’s popularity in India. GMR Sports and Rugby India organized the event. Telangana Chief Minister Anumula Revanth Reddy, GMR Group Chairman Kiran Kumar Grandhi, actor Chiranjeevi, Olympic medallist P.V. Sindhu, actress Mrunal Thakur, GMR Airports Chairman G.B.S. Raju, and Rugby India President Rahul Bose attended the final.
