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NDTV
03-07-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Arpan Chhetri Backs Rugby Premier League To Boost India's Rugby Sevens Dream
Rugby in India is still a niche sport, untouched by the masses, but it's popularity has been growing steadily, according to Arpan Chhetri, a promising forward from Sikkim. The 25-year-old sees rugby's rising popularity in the country, crediting initiatives like the Rugby Premier League, a one its kind tournament that came to a grand conclusion last week. Chhetri, who represented the Bengaluru Bravehearts, was undoubtedly one of the players to watch out for this season, as far as local talents are concerned. Arpan believes that the Sevens format is India's best shot at creating a sporting revolution in the country, even though it's a long, tough road ahead. A sports management graduate, he often takes out time to coach aspiring rugby players, guiding them through school engagements and community initiatives. Chhetri spoke to NDTV in an exclusive interaction organised by RPL and GMR Sports, reflecting on the challenges, his preparation and the experience of playing alongside some of the biggest names in the sport. Q1: How has your preparation been leading up to this season? A1: We arrived a bit late as compared to other teams. Our marquee players came on 6th June and we started training from the 7th. The first few days were difficult in terms of coping up with the overseas players. So, the way the play, their skills and speed, they are on a different level altogether. Once the coach gave us confidence, we slowly got into that zone. Q2: What kind of influence does your coach have on your performance? A2: As I mentioned, it was hard at first to cope up with the foreign players. The coach gave us personal training, emphasing how can we contribute to the team. Once the coach gave us confidence, we slowly got into that zone. The first match we played was a draw. So, after the game, the coach told the Indian players that you need to show more confidence in pressure situations. His advice really motivated us. Q3: What aspect of your game have you worked on the most? A3: Being an Indian signing playing alongside overseas stars, I think that I did well in terms of executing the basics. My job was to support the team. We got personal classes from the coach after every match. We used to reflect on what went on wrong and how can we improve going forward, analysing match footage. So, all those factors really helped. Q4: How do you see the competitiveness of the Rugby Premier League evolving? A4: Rugby is not widely followed or played in India. However, this tournament has created a lot of buzz on social media. So, this will give more exposure to the sport and encourage more people to take up the sport. This will also help us identify our shortcomings and how can we overcome them. It will help the Indian players get their basics right. Q5: Tell me something about Arpan Chhetri. How and when did you started playing Rugby? A5: So, I started playing rugby in 2008. I am from Sikkim and one of the organistaions (Future Hope) came to my state for Summer Camp. I was in that camp. I came to Kolkata and touched a rugby ball for the first time there. Professionally, I started playing in 2014 for the Bengal state team and my clubs. In 2022, I first represent India, but that was in a 15s tournament. The journey has been great so far. I have been working to improve every aspect of my game. Q6: Any message you would like to give young, aspiring rugby players? A6: To the young kids out there, including the ones I coach, please don't loose hope. There wasn't much in terms of opportunity earlier, but with the RPL, the situation will only improve. I didn't not give up. I love this game. I have worked hard every day. So, keep doing that as the opportunity will arrive, hopefully. Q7: Is the Sevens format India's only hope for creating a rugby revolution in the country? A7: Yes, India has a better chance in Rugby Sevens than 15s. I don't think we have enough resources to compete at the top level in the 15s level. Be it skill or physical attribute, we lack in a lot of departments.
India Gazette
29-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Rugby Premier League Final Preview: Chennai Bulls to lock horns with Delhi Redz in high-stakes title clash
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 29 (ANI): After two weeks of adrenaline-gushing action, intense tackles and spectacular tries, it all comes down to the inaugural Rugby Premier League (RPL) grand finale as the Chennai Bulls take on the Delhi Redz in what promises to be a fiery battle for Sunday. Chennai Bulls enjoyed a dominant 31-12 win over Bengaluru Bravehearts in the semi-final, but it was not so straightforward for the Delhi Redz side. They managed to defeat table-toppers Hyderabad Heroes 14-7 in a match that went right down to the wire, before Patrick Odongo scored a last-second try for the Redz, as per an RPL press release. Chennai Bulls are in an incredible vein of form with the likes of Terry Kennedy, Joseva Talacolo and Va'aufauese Apelu-Maliko playing an exceptional brand of rugby. Indian players such as Aryan Dixit, Muhammad Jasim EP, and Shahnawaz Ahmed have made their presence felt. Statistically, the Bulls are overall second in the league when it comes to tries, conversions, points scored, and tackles made with 37, 25, 235 and 181, respectively. Delhi Redz have had an incredible arc in the RPL. Despite finishing fourth in the league with three wins, two draws and five losses, the Redz have beaten the strongest team of the tournament in their last game to seal a spot in the final. Matias Osadczuk, Matteo Graziano, Patrick Odongo and Jordon Conroy have made stand-out contributions to the Redz. Indian players like Rajdeep Saha, Deepak Punia and Sunil Chawan too have had a memorable season so far. Delhi Redz will look to cause another upset in the final as they face a tough challenge in Chennai Bulls, who have already beaten them twice in the tournament so far. Ahead of the big day, Chennai Bulls marquee player Terry Kennedy stated, ' This was our goal from the start to get to the final and hopefully get the job done tomorrow. Our performance in the semi-final was probably our best one of the tournament and something we are really proud of.' 'We were forcing things in matches before, but now we are back to the basics and are just trying to control the ball and tempo of the game. It's something we've managed to do over the last few games and it has helped. The accuracy is there, but we need to work on our discipline on the field, and that will be our focus in the final game,' he added. Assessing his opposition, the Captain of the Delhi Redz, Matias Osadczuk said, ' I look at Chennai Bulls, I see aggressive and talented international players. So we need to keep the ball all game and play out from the defence. We need to be in control and go up the field and add pressure. We need to stay concentrated and keep an eye on players like Apelu, Terry Kennedy and the other marquee players.' Before the final, the second runner-up match between Bengaluru Bravehearts and Hyderabad Heroes is also scheduled for 7:45 PM IST. RPL final schedule on 29 June: -2nd runner up - Bengaluru Bravehearts vs Hyderabad Heroes - 7:45 pm -Final - Chennai Bulls vs Delhi Redz - 8:25 pm. (ANI)
India Gazette
28-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Hyderabad Heroes, Chennai Bulls, Bengaluru Bravehearts, Delhi Redz set to fight for RPL spot in final
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 28 (ANI): The league stage of the inaugural edition of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) concluded on Friday evening, at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Kreeda Sankul (Andheri Sports Complex). After nearly two weeks of high-octane rugby sevens action, the league is down to the business end with four teams making it through to the playoffs. Hyderabad Heroes, Chennai Bulls, Bengaluru Bravehearts and Delhi Redz are the four franchises that have qualified for the playoffs. The two semifinals will take place on Saturday, with Chennai Bulls taking on the Bengaluru Bravehearts in the first match, while Hyderabad Heroes will be up against Delhi Redz. With former New Zealand captain DJ Forbes at the helm as head coach, Hyderabad Heroes have been the most dominant team across the RPL this season. Manu Moreno's leadership has been admirable as he's led from the front, while the performance of Indian players like Javed Hussain and Sambit Pradhan have been made everyone sit up and take notice. With 9 nines, one loss and 34 points during the league stage, Hyderabad Heroes head into the playoffs as the favorites, especially after getting the better of their semi-final opponents Delhi Redz, against who they registered the double. Chennai Bulls were on a roll to start the season, laying down an early marker with their performances. The likes of Terry Kennedy, Joseva Talacolo and Va'aufauese Apelu-Maliko have been exceptional in terms of their international players, while likes of Aryan Dixit, Muhammad Jasim EP, and Shahnawaz Ahmed have all made their presence felt from the Indian contingent. Head coach Ben Gollings has been meticulous in his approach so far this season, as his team secured 6 wins, a draw and 3 losses during their group stage. With 5 wins, a draw and 4 losses in their group stage, it's fair to say that the Bengaluru Bravehearts have had a rollercoaster season so far. Paco Hernandez has been calm and calculative in his approach as head coach, with his team already showing that they can go toe-to-toe with any side. In fact, Bengaluru Bravehearts are the only side in the tournament to have beaten Hyderabad Heroes so far. With the likes of Mohit Khatri, Akuila Rokolisoa, Scott Curry, Pol Pla and Philip Wokorach, they have enough experience in the side to rise to any challenge. It has been an up and down campaign for Delhi Redz in the GMR RPL, as they search for consistency going into the playoffs. With 3 wins, 2 draws and 5 losses, head coach Tomasi Cama would be expecting his side to step up to the plate when the stakes are raised. Matias Osadczuk, Matteo Graziano, Patrick Odongo, Jordon Conroy have all contributed to a healthy team atmosphere, helping the likes of Rajdeep Saha, Deepak Punia, Sunil Chawan and other Indian players flourish. The two sides faced each other twice in the league stage, with Bengaluru Bravehearts registering a commanding 26-0 victory in their first encounter. Chennai Bulls fought back in the reverse fixture, winning 31-24. Hyderabad Heroes got the better on both occasions when these two sides met in the league stage. The table-toppers secured a 40-19 win in the first match, while winning 31-7 in the reverse fixture. (ANI)
India Gazette
27-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
RPL 2025: Hyderabad Heroes bag top spot; Mumbai Dreamers finish with a win
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 27 (ANI): The Hyderabad Heroes have been one of the most exciting teams in the tournament, and have finished top of the points table at the end of the league stage of Season 1 of the GMR Rugby Premier League (RPL), on Friday, at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex, in Mumbai. The Mumbai Dreamers too had a memorable final day of the league stage of the competition, as they ended on a high with a comprehensive win against the Bengaluru Bravehearts, as per a release from RPL. In the semi-finals of Season 1 of the GMR Rugby Premier League, on Saturday, the Hyderabad Heroes will play the Delhi Redz, whilst the Chennai Bulls have on their agenda the Bengaluru Bravehearts. In the opening game of the day, the Hyderabad Heroes put on a fantastic show as they closed out their campaign in this phase of the tournament with a resounding 31-7 win. The Hyderabad Heroes started off at lightning speed and got their points tally moving in the first minute itself. Sukumar Hembrom turned on the afterburners for his try, and Terio Tamani converted with ease. The Delhi Redz, stunned initially, though bounced back through a Penalty Try. The Heroes were in the mood to put on a show, and before the first half ended, Terio Tamani set up Sambit Pradhan with a delightful move. Pradhan went over the line, and soon after, Joji Nasova crossed over too, and Tamani converted both attempts. At half-time, the Heroes led 21-7. It was more domination from the Heroes after the break as Lautaro Velez registered a comfortable try, extending the lead by five more points. In the final quarter, Manuel Moreno added another try and put the seal on the win. In the second game of the day, the Mumbai Dreamers' fans were well and truly in dreamland, as the team turned up the style and defeated the Bengaluru Bravehearts by a scoreline of 26-14. The Bengaluru Bravehearts benefited early on from an error by the Mumbai Dreamers and got going with a try by Philip Wokorach, after which Akuila Rokolisoa converted as well. That, though, stung the Dreamers. James Turner and Vuiviwa Naduvalo responded with two super tries, while Akash Balmiki converted on both occasions. Elias Hancock added five more to the cause just before half-time, and the Dreamers went into the break with a 19-7 lead. After the break, Akuila Rokolisoa reduced the deficit by 7 points for the Bravehearts, but the Dreamers were still in control. Before the final whistle, Turner scored another try and Akash Balmiki polished off the conversion. Eventually, the Dreamers got their first win in their final game of the tournament. (ANI)
United News of India
27-06-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
Hyderabad Heroes bag top spot on points table in Season 1 of GMR RPL
Mumbai, June 27 (UNI) The Hyderabad Heroes have been one of the most exciting teams in the tournament, and have finished top of the points table at the end of the league stage of Season 1 of the GMR Rugby Premier League, on Friday, at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex, here. The Mumbai Dreamers too had a memorable final day of the league stage of the competition, as they ended on a high with comprehensive win against the Bengaluru Bravehearts. In the semi-finals of Season 1 of the GMR Rugby Premier League, on Saturday, the Hyderabad Heroes will play the Delhi Redz whilst the Chennai Bulls have on their agenda the Bengaluru Bravehearts. In the opening game of the day, the Hyderabad Heroes put on a fantastic show as they closed out their campaign in this phase of the tournament with a resounding 31-7 win. The Hyderabad Heroes started off at lighting speed, and got their points tally moving in the first minute itself. Sukumar Hembrom turned on the after burners for his try, and Terio Tamani converted with ease. The Delhi Redz, stunned initially, though bounced back through a Penalty Try. The Heroes were in the mood to put on a show, and before the first half ended, Terio Tamani set up Sambit Pradhan with a delightful move. Pradhan went over the line, and soon after Joji Nasova crossed over too, and Tamani converted both the attempts. At half-time, the Heroes led 21-7. It was more domination from the Heroes after the break as Lautaro Velez registered a comfortable try, extending the lead by five more points. In the final quarter, Manuel Moreno added another try, and put the seal on the win. In the second game of the day, the Mumbai Dreamers' fans were well and truly in dreamland, as the team turned up the style and defeated the Bengaluru Bravehearts by a scoreline of 26-14. The Bengaluru Bravehearts benefitted early on from an error by the Mumbai Dreamers and got going with a try by Philip Wokorach, after which Akuila Rokolisoa converted as well. That though stung the Dreamers. James Turner and Vuiviwa Naduvalo responded with two super tries, while Akash Balmiki converted on both occasions. Elias Hancock added five more to the cause just before half-time, and the Dreamers went into the break with a 19-7 lead. After the break, Akuila Rokolisoa reduced the deficit by 7 points for the Bravehearts, but the Dreamers were still in control. Before the final whistle, Turner scored another try and Akash Balmiki polished off the conversion. Eventually, the Dreamers got their first win in their final game of the tournament. UNI BM
