The GMR Rugby Premier League (RPL), the first-ever franchise-based Rugby Sevens league, is all set to commence its first edition from today, June 15, at the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai.
Bengaluru Bravehearts, Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Hyderabad Heroes, Kalinga Black Tigers, and Mumbai Dreamers are the six franchises competing for the championship.
The RPL will feature 30 premier international players from major Rugby Sevens nations including as New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Fiji, Argentina, Great Britain, Ireland, the United States, and Spain. Furthermore, the competition will include 18 foreign players from Canada, Hong Kong, and Germany, increasing the league’s competitive depth. In addition to the foreign luminaries, the GMR RPL will include 30 Indian players.
Each side will have 13 players, with two Indians needed to be on the field at all times throughout the game. At any given time, seven players will be on the pitch of play. The seven players are subsequently divided into three forwards and four backs. The GMR RPL’s starting seven players will include two international players, two international bridge players, two Indian players, and one coach’s choice. Each game will consist of four quarters, each lasting four minutes, with a two-minute rest between each phase.
One game is planned to last no more than 22 minutes.
Where to watch:
Season 1 of the RPL will be broadcast live on Star Sports‘ Select 1 and Select 1 HD TV channels in India. Along with this, the league will also be streamed live on JioHotstar.