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Time of India
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
French rugby official calls India's franchise rugby league an 'interesting try'
Christophe Reigt, general manager of the French Rugby Federation and part of France's gold medal-winning rugby sevens contingent at the Paris Olympics, described India's new Rugby Premier League as 'an interesting try' and a development worth watching closely. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Reigt, who visited Mumbai to observe the ongoing tournament, noted that the league's format, structure, and player participation model mark a notable shift in how rugby sevens is typically played. 'This is a very new product of rugby sevens, and we were keen to find out what is happening,' Reigt said, adding that the franchise-based model, along with the structure of teams playing one match per day, offers players much-needed recovery time—something rarely seen in the fast-paced sevens circuit. The league has featured top-tier international names, including Olympic and World Cup veterans, alongside Indian players who have shown promise through the tournament. Reigt highlighted this interaction as a vital opportunity for local talent. 'Indian players are able to play with some of the best international players and gain an understanding of the level and calibre required at the top,' he said. Among the standout Indian performers is Javed Hussain, who currently ranks among the top try-scorers in the league. Reigt sees such exposure as a stepping stone. 'This is a first step for Indian players to stay more in touch with high-level rugby. Hopefully, they will continue to get more opportunities like this throughout the year,' he said. Reigt also welcomed the fact that the international calendar had made space for the league, allowing high-profile players to participate. 'It's a very good idea to have international stars showcasing the sport at a high level—it's an interesting way of developing Indian rugby,' he said.
News18
26-06-2025
- Sport
- News18
'Good Idea Can Come From India Too', Feels French Rugby Federation GM Christophe Reigt
Last Updated: Reigt, who was part of France's men's rugby sevens contingent that won the Olympic Gold, called the attempt to kindle the game in India a promising one. French Rugby Federation General Manager, Christophe Reigt, who has been monitoring the inaugural Rugby Premier League in India closely, opened up on the essence of the event and the reach of the sport in the sprawling peninsular nation. Reigt, who was part of France's men's rugby sevens contingent that won the Olympic Gold medal during the Paris Olympics, called the attempt to kindle the game in India a promising one. 'For us, at the French Rugby Federation, it was very important to come and see the 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 Reigt. 'What's special in the 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," the Frenchman continued. '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," he added. A number of big-name players have featured in the opening edition of the RPL, and Reigt considers their participation crucial in expanding the reach of the sport in the country. '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 continued. Adding a coat of sheen to the event, Indian players have also stepped up with some season-defining displays which Reigt found to be of note worth. '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," Reigt elucidated. '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. '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 come from Indian Rugby as well," he signed-off. First Published: June 26, 2025, 17:38 IST
