Hyderabad Set to Witness Rugby Premier League Action from June 16

Rugby India , the national governing body for the sport, announced that the second edition of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) will be held at Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad , from June 16 to 28, 2026 . The tournament follows a successful inaugural edition last year in Mumbai and returns in the fast-paced Rugby 7s format , reflecting the league’s aim to accelerate the growth and global competitiveness of rugby in India.

The 2026 edition will feature the six franchises from the first season , bringing together leading Indian and international players , and offering fans a thrilling, action-packed rugby experience. The decision to host the league in Hyderabad aligns with GMR Sports’ commitment to developing world-class sporting ecosystems. Recently, GMR Sports signed a strategic MoU with the Government of Telangana to develop a Satellite Sports City within Bharat Future City , underlining the group’s focus on sports infrastructure, innovation, and athlete development.

Welcoming the league, Jayesh Ranjan, IAS , Special Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana, said, “ Hyderabad’s emergence as a global sporting destination reflects Telangana’s long-term policy vision and institutional support for international partnerships. Events like the Rugby Premier League contribute significantly to tourism, urban visibility, and the broader sports economy.”

Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India , added, “With everything one does in life, the quest is to always do better, deliver better . RPL 2026 at Gachibowli Stadium promises a better fan experience, world-class rugby , and a strong television and OTT product. We rely on all our partners, including the media, to guide and support us.”

Satyam Trivedi, CEO, GMR Sports , said, “Hyderabad’s premier sports infrastructure, connectivity, and passionate fan base make it the perfect home for the league. One of our franchise partners is rooted here, reinforcing the city’s pivotal role in rugby’s growth in India.”

Highlighting the high-performance perspective, A. Sonibala Devi, IFS , Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Sports Authority of Telangana, said hosting the RPL “ strengthens our high-performance ecosystem and provides invaluable exposure to emerging talent.”

With elite competition, a proven league format, and a new host city, RPL 2026 is set to deliver top-tier rugby action while continuing to nurture the sport’s development in India.