Delhi Redz beat Kolkata 40-28, end Tigers' RPL Season 2 semifinal run
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Delhi Redz delivered a commanding 40-28 victory over the Kolkata Banga Tigers on Day 10 of Rugby Premier League (RPL) Season 2, effectively ending Kolkata's semifinal aspirations. The match was played on Thursday, 25 June at the Ganti Mohana Chandra Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Gachibowli, Hyderabad.
Delhi Redz Dominate Early
Delhi Redz set the tone from the outset, building their attacks patiently before Nygel Amaitsa opened the scoring. Samuel Asati and Josep Serres quickly followed with tries of their own, and Hitesh Dagar extended the lead further as the Redz controlled both possession and territory.
Naduvalo's Brilliance Keeps Tigers Alive
With their semifinal hopes slipping, the Kolkata Banga Tigers found a lifeline through Vuiviwa Naduvalo just before half-time. Serres struck again after the break for Delhi, but Naduvalo produced two brilliant individual tries in the third quarter to drag the Tigers back into contention. His performance was arguably the standout individual display of the match.
Redz Hold Composure to Seal Win
Jon Okeyo restored Delhi's breathing space in the final period, and despite another moment of magic from Naduvalo, the Redz maintained composure through the closing stages to confirm the 40-28 result. The win keeps Delhi Redz firmly in the hunt for a semifinal berth.
Other Results and Fixtures
On Wednesday, 24 June, the Bengaluru Bravehearts defeated the Kolkata Banga Tigers 26-21 to qualify for the semifinals — the ninth day of competition. In an earlier match that day, Bengaluru had also overcome the Mumbai Dreamers, with tries from Zain Davids, Akuila Rokolisoa, Shilton van Wyk, Ngarohi McGarvey, Ganesh Majhi, and Magomederassul Magomedov sealing a comfortable win. Ben Lasike and Guillaume Bouche replied for Mumbai.
Later on Thursday, the Hyderabad Heroes were scheduled to face the Mumbai Dreamers, followed by Chennai Bulls taking on the Bengaluru Bravehearts in the final match of the day.
About the Rugby Premier League
The Rugby Premier League was conceptualised by Rugby India and launched in 2025 as the world's first franchise-based league for Rugby Union. Rugby India, the official national governing body for the sport, is affiliated to World Rugby, Asia Rugby, and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and is recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sport (MYAS). The league represents a significant milestone in the growth of rugby as a mainstream competitive sport in India.