Chennai Bulls fly-half Savannah Bauder has emerged as the top scorer in the inaugural women's edition of the Rugby Premier League (RPL), praising the competition's transformative effect on Indian players as the tournament enters its decisive final stages at Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad. With the Bulls sitting atop the standings on 13 points, a place in the 23 June final is well within reach.

A Historic First for Women's Rugby in India

The first-ever women's RPL season has drawn seasoned internationals alongside emerging Indian talent, creating a competitive environment that Bauder, a Canadian international, describes as genuinely transformative. 'To be part of the first ever women's RPL season is very special,' she said. 'The league allows young athletes to showcase their talent against a great mix of competition. It not only provides visibility for women's sport but also allows young viewers to understand the opportunities they could have in the future.'

This comes at a time when women's rugby globally is gaining unprecedented institutional support, and India's RPL represents one of the more ambitious domestic league experiments on the continent.

Indian Players Show 'Exponential' Growth

Bauder was particularly emphatic about the strides made by the Indian contingent during the season. 'The Indian girls have shown exponential improvements in their confidence, truly showcasing their abilities on the field,' she said. 'This league has given them opportunities to learn in high-pressure situations alongside World Series athletes, pushing them to be better every game.'

Notably, the format — which pairs international players with domestic talent — mirrors structures used in franchise cricket and kabaddi leagues, where proximity to elite performers has historically accelerated the development curve for Indian athletes.

Team Chemistry Behind Individual Success

Despite leading the scoring charts individually, Bauder was careful to frame her personal tally as a product of collective effort. 'This RPL season has shown our team a lot of ups and downs. We have been pushing to be better every game and after the win last night it really shows how our confidence in each other and trust in the process has brought us the outcome we deserved,' she said. 'My personal success is just a testament to our team's ability to work hard for each other and showcase our talent on the field.'

She also spoke of the cross-cultural bonds forged within the squad. 'Although we all came from different places and different rugby backgrounds, we share a common mindset of wanting to work hard for each other and back each other on and off the field. Everyone is willing to put their heads down and work, which has developed a strong connection that translates to our performances.'

Bauder's Rugby Journey: From Soccer Fields to the RPL

Bauder revealed that rugby was not her first sporting love — she grew up playing soccer before discovering the sport in high school. She credits rugby's community ethos for shaping her beyond the field. 'Rugby has shaped who I am on and off the field. The connections with teammates, learning different perspectives and fostering a sense of community that truly feels like family no matter where you are has made this journey incredibly special,' she said.

What's Next: Final Spot on the Line

The Chennai Bulls are currently leading the RPL women's table with 13 points and are well-positioned to qualify for the final scheduled on 23 June at Gachibowli Stadium. The tournament's closing stages are expected to draw heightened attention, given the historic nature of this debut women's season and the quality of competition on display.