Rugby Premier League Season 2: Bengaluru Bravehearts book semifinal spot with 26-21 win
Synopsis
Bengaluru Bravehearts are through to the Rugby Premier League Season 2 semifinals after a tense 26-21 win over Kolkata Banga Tigers — even as Vuiviwa Naduvalo delivered a stunning individual hat-trick for the losing side. The Bravehearts' defensive composure and clinical ball retention in the final stages proved the difference at Hyderabad's GMC Balayogi Stadium.
Key Takeaways
Bengaluru Bravehearts defeated Kolkata Banga Tigers 26-21 on 24 June to qualify for the Rugby Premier League Season 2 semifinals.
The match was played at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Gachibowli, Hyderabad on Day 9 of the competition.
Jonas Mikalcius scored twice and Shilton van Wyk added a crucial intercept try for Bengaluru.
Vuiviwa Naduvalo scored a hat-trick for Kolkata but it was not enough to prevent defeat.
On Tuesday, Bengaluru also beat Mumbai Dreamers , while Hyderabad Heroes overcame Delhi Redz .
Bengaluru Bravehearts secured their place in the Rugby Premier League Season 2 semifinals with a hard-fought 26-21 victory over the Kolkata Banga Tigers on Wednesday, 24 June, at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Gachibowli, Hyderabad. The win, coming on the ninth day of the competition, confirmed the Bravehearts as one of the tournament's form sides.
How the Match Unfolded
Jonas Mikalcius got Bengaluru off to a flying start, crossing over within minutes of kick-off. Kolkata responded quickly through Vuiviwa Naduvalo on the left wing, before Ngarohi McGarvey restored the Bravehearts' advantage. Naduvalo struck again to level the scores, but Mikalcius broke through the Tigers' defence to hand Bengaluru the lead at the interval.
After the break, a loose Kolkata pass was intercepted by Shilton van Wyk, who extended the Bravehearts' cushion. Despite Naduvalo completing a brilliant individual hat-trick to keep the Tigers in contention, Bengaluru controlled possession in the closing stages to see out a 26-21 win.
Tuesday's Results: Bravehearts and Heroes Win
A day earlier, Bengaluru had also dominated the Mumbai Dreamers, with Zain Davids and Akuila Rokolisoa providing an early platform. Shilton van Wyk, Ngarohi McGarvey, Ganesh Majhi, and Magomederassul Magomedov all added tries, while Ben Lasike and Guillaume Bouche replied for Mumbai in a comfortable Bravehearts victory.
In the other Tuesday fixture, the Hyderabad Heroes edged out the Delhi Redz. Diego Ardao opened the scoring for Hyderabad before Elias Hancock levelled for Delhi, with Patrick Odongo forced off injured in the process. Taitaifono Tavita restored the Heroes' lead before half-time, and Ravuama Seruvakula and Wolfram Hacker extended it after the break. Late tries from Lennox Wiese and Alasio Naduva gave Delhi hope, but Hyderabad held on for the win.
What's Next on Day Nine
Wednesday's action was set to continue with Delhi Redz taking on the Mumbai Dreamers, followed by a clash between the Chennai Bulls and the Hyderabad Heroes in the day's final match. With the semifinal picture beginning to take shape, every result in the remaining league fixtures carries added weight.
Point of View
But lack the collective discipline to convert it. As the semifinals approach, the question is whether teams like Delhi and Mumbai can string results together, or whether the Bravehearts and Heroes have already opened an insurmountable gap. The RPL's growth as a domestic rugby property depends on that competitive balance holding.
NationPress
24 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Bengaluru Bravehearts qualify for the Rugby Premier League Season 2 semifinals?
Yes, Bengaluru Bravehearts qualified for the Rugby Premier League Season 2 semifinals by defeating Kolkata Banga Tigers 26-21 on 24 June at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad. The win came on Day 9 of the competition.
Who scored for Bengaluru Bravehearts against Kolkata Banga Tigers?
Jonas Mikalcius scored twice for Bengaluru, with Ngarohi McGarvey and Shilton van Wyk also crossing over. Van Wyk's intercept try after the break proved particularly decisive in extending the Bravehearts' lead.
Who scored a hat-trick in the Bengaluru vs Kolkata match?
Vuiviwa Naduvalo of the Kolkata Banga Tigers scored a hat-trick, including a brilliant individual effort, but it was not enough as Bengaluru held on to win 26-21.
Where was the Rugby Premier League Day 9 match held?
The match was held at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Gachibowli, Hyderabad, which is serving as a venue for Rugby Premier League Season 2 fixtures.
What other matches took place in Rugby Premier League Season 2 this week?
On Tuesday, Bengaluru Bravehearts beat Mumbai Dreamers comfortably, and Hyderabad Heroes defeated Delhi Redz in a closely contested game. On Wednesday, Delhi Redz were scheduled to face Mumbai Dreamers, followed by Chennai Bulls vs Hyderabad Heroes.
