Latest news with #GMRRugbyPremierLeague
India Gazette
29-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Chennai Bulls create history; claim maiden Rugby Premier League title
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 29 (ANI): It was a belligerent, brilliant, and breathtaking performance from the Chennai Bulls, who were crowned the first-ever champions of the Rugby Premier League, here in Mumbai, at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex. The Chennai Bulls thrashed the Delhi Redz by a scoreline of 41-0 in the final to clinch the title. In fact, the margin of victory is the biggest across Season 1 of the RPL. Meanwhile, the Hyderabad Heroes, who had finished top of the table in the league stage, came away with a third-place finish after they won 17-12 against the Bengaluru Bravehearts. The Chennai Bulls picked up from where they had left off in the semi-finals, and hit the Delhi Redz hard in the opening exchanges. Vaafauese Maliko got the opening try of the final, and Filipe Sauturaga was on hand to convert. Moments later, the Redz felt the full force of the Bulls' attack as Joseva Talacolo rounded off a superb move with five more points to the cause. Before the end of the first half, the Bulls had further extended their lead - Terry Kennedy outpaced the Redz for two more tries, and Gaurav Kumar added two more from the kick. At half-time, the Bulls were in complete control and led 24-0. After the break, the domination continued, and the Redz were finding it hard to break down the Bulls. Meanwhile, the Bulls were doing their bit to pile on the pressure, as Shanawaz Ahmed went over the line after Kennedy set him up. And Filipe Sauturaga added two more points to the tally. With 4 minutes to go, the very dominant Bulls had a 31-0 lead in their favour. The Bulls did not let up and went on to add a couple of more tries by Mohammed Ashique to put the seal on what was a comprehensive win. Earlier in the day, the Hyderabad Heroes clinched third place in the inaugural season of the GMR Rugby Premier League, as they saw off a spirited challenge from the Bengaluru Bravehearts. The Heroes, who were trailing in the early stages, fought back with full force. The Heroes defeated the Bravehearts 17-12. For the Bravehearts, Tone Shiu and Philip Wokorach scored tries, while Akuila Rokolisoa converted one kick, all in the first half. The Heroes, who had begun the fightback through Joji Nasova's try and Manuel Moreno's conversion in the first half, had Kevin Wekesa and Bhupinder Singh adding game-changing tries to the cause. (ANI)
News18
29-06-2025
- Sport
- News18
GMR RPL Final Preview: Chennai Bulls To Lock Horns With Delhi Redz In Title Clash
The Chennai Bulls face the Delhi Redz in the GMR Rugby Premier League final. The Bulls dominated the semi-final, while the Redz secured a last-second win. Both teams are ready.
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
NDTV
26-06-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
French Rugby Union's Christophe Reigt Terms The GMR Rugby Premier League As An "Interesting Try"
There has been a buzz, and heads have been turning in the world of rugby. All thanks to the unique nature of the competition that is the GMR Rugby Premier League – a first ever franchise-based Rugby Sevens tournament in the world. The who's who from the rugby fraternity are part of this revolutionary movement, and keeping a close eye on proceedings was Christophe Reigt, General Manager, French Rugby Federation. Interestingly, France's men's rugby sevens team had won the Olympic Gold medal during the Paris Olympics, with Christophe being a part of the contingent. 'For us, at the French Rugby Federation, it was very important to come and see the GMR Rugby Premier League in India, because it is a very new product of Rugby Sevens, and we were keen to find out what is happening,' said Christophe, who is considered to be one of the foremost thinkers in the game. 'What's special in the GMR RPL, is that the league is trying a new format. And there is time for recovery for the players too as they are playing one game a day. This is a very new thing in Rugby Sevens, and it is very interesting for the people who are involved to watch this unfold. The franchise model is new, and it is different for sure,' the Frenchman explained. The GMR RPL has produced some scintillating performances from the legends such as Akuila Rokolisoa, and Jerry Tuwai. And in Christophe's book, this is one of the best things about the tournament, as there is high quality rugby on display. This interestingly has been possible only after World Rugby put aside time on their calendar, so that the best of the best could make their way to India for the inaugural edition of the GMR Rugby Premier League. 'It is very interesting to see that in India that there is a movement that Rugby India and GMR Sports is anchoring to develop Rugby Sevens. It is a very good idea also to have international stars and legends show case the high level of the sport through the GMR Rugby Premier League. It is very important and an interesting way of developing Indian Rugby. It is a very interesting try,' he added. Whilst some of the big international names have been front and centre in terms of the standout performances, the Indian players have also stepped up with some season-defining moments. One of the best performers in fact has been Javed Hussain for the Hyderabad Heroes, who is among the players with the most number of tries in the tournament. 'For the Indian players, they are able to play with the best international players, and have a better understanding of the level and calibre of rugby played at the highest levels. And they can share a lot of information on and off the field as well during the course of the month, which is very important.' 'This is a first step for the Indian players wherein they are more in touch with high-level rugby, and maybe through the year, in the future, the Indian players can get more experiences like the GMR RPL, which will help their development,' he added. Reflecting on his time at the GMR RPL and the tournament overall, Christophe said, 'From my trip, hopefully, I can take back some new ideas. It isn't that only the traditionally strong rugby playing nations will have the best ideas. A good and new idea can from Indian Rugby as well.'
