RPL Aims to Uncover Rugby Talent in India, Not Profit: Rahul Bose
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Synopsis
Bollywood actor and Rugby India president Rahul Bose discusses the Rugby Premier League, asserting it is not a commercial venture but a dedicated initiative to develop rugby talent in India. The league will host top international players from June 1-15 in Mumbai, aiming to elevate the sport's profile.
Key Takeaways
- RPL is not a commercial venture but an initiative for rugby talent development.
- League features top international players and aims for substantial viewership.
- Teams will consist of a mix of Indian and international players.
- World Rugby has granted a dedicated window for the league.
- Broadcasting on Star Sports and live-streaming on JioHotstar.
New Delhi, April 17 (NationPress) As the Rugby Premier League approaches, Bollywood star and Rugby India president Rahul Bose provided insights into the inception of the world's first city-based franchise rugby league. He clarified that the league is not a commercial venture but a dedicated initiative to elevate the sport in India and uncover the nation's top rugby talents.
This league, featuring renowned Rugby 7s athletes like Perry Baker from the United States, a two-time World Rugby 7s Player of the Year and three-time Olympian, alongside Rosko Speckman from South Africa, a two-time Olympic bronze medalist, is set to occur in Mumbai from June 1 to June 15.
Bose affirmed to IANS that this league serves as a platform showcasing the world's elite competing alongside India's best players.
“What business purpose? We are an NGO registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act. So where is the question of making money? We get a fee, yes - but we are IP holders. We cannot enter into commercial transactions, or we will lose our status. This is not at all a commercial venture.
Six years ago, I conceived this idea. Why? Because whenever our state rugby representatives or officials from our state federation approached potential sponsors, they were left waiting for hours due to our lack of stature. Even when contacting formal or informal organizations, be they governmental or non-governmental, we experienced the same treatment - being made to wait.
To ensure that this never happens again, we needed to create something world-class—a vision that would elevate the recognition of rugby. To achieve this, we require the best players globally, highly skilled team owners in a league format, broadcasters, and comprehensive infrastructure,” Bose detailed about the inception of the rugby league.
The league's external impact is this: if it garners 1 to 3 crore viewers in 15 days, the next time we enter an office, we won't be left waiting.
After the league concludes on June 15, from June 16, six teams will begin scouting for Indian talent. Each team will consist of five Indian players, five marquee international players, and three bridge players, totaling a squad of 13 players. The goal is to improve the quality of Indian players by scouting 50–100 players.
Bose shared how Rugby India secured a dedicated window for the league at the end of the international season, allowing top talent to contract in India. Just as the BCCI negotiated with the ICC to establish a 45-day window for the IPL, he asked World Rugby for a dedicated window for the RPL.
About 2.5 years ago, we approached World Rugby, requesting a dedicated window—an interval when no international rugby is played globally. They agreed, providing the window from June 1 to June 15, enabling us to engage directly with players,” he recounted.
The RPL has recruited 30 marquee international players from prominent Rugby 7s nations, including New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Fiji, Argentina, Great Britain, Ireland, the USA, and Spain. With support from World Rugby, the league has also enlisted top foreign coaches and support staff.
I visited Perth, Australia, where we gathered 23 players from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. They had four simple inquiries: when is the tournament? 'June. Perfect, we’re free.' How much will we earn? Who are the coaches? Where will it be played (the stadium)? After receiving answers, they were eager to participate,” he said.
The inaugural RPL season will be broadcast on Star Sports and live-streamed on JioHotstar. Regarding how the broadcaster became involved, Bose mentioned, “They accompanied us to observe the Hong Kong 7s tournament. Just two hours into the event, they expressed, 'What a fantastic game!' After watching 4–5 matches consecutively, they were completely captivated.”
Each game lasts only 16 minutes, featuring an average of 7–10 scores. Players sprint at nearly 100 miles per hour, colliding with tremendous force. Broadcasters noted, 'Something happens every 10 seconds!' They concluded, 'This is perfect for TV—it’s fast-paced, strong, physically engaging, and consistently scoring,'” he added.
Discussing the league's ultimate ambition, he stated, “Post-June 15, should interest burgeon prompting viewers to request 'Show us more rugby!' — what next? The RPL is a once-a-year event spanning 15 days. However, World Rugby hosts numerous tournaments year-round. That’s when we’ll likely witness the growth of a steady TV audience for this sport. I’m not asserting it’ll happen overnight; I’m merely suggesting that all of this is achievable.
To attract broadcasters, team owners, and sponsors, we must confidently assert that no other league on earth compares to this. We must proudly declare we have 30 of the world’s finest rugby players participating right here.
The league will feature six franchises: Bengaluru Bravehearts, Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Hyderabad Heroes, Kalinga Black Tigers, and Mumbai Dreamers. Each team will consist of five foreign players, five domestic players, and three from bridge nations—countries positioned in the second and third tiers of the world rugby hierarchy.
