Hyderabad Heroes win Rugby Premier League Season 2, beat Mumbai 41-17
Synopsis
Hyderabad Heroes dismantled Mumbai Dreamers 41-17 at Gachibowli to clinch the Rugby Premier League Season 2 title — a scoreline that flatters neither side's early contest but reflects Hyderabad's ruthless ability to convert turnovers into tries. With an RPL Women's League debuting and broadcast numbers climbing, Season 2 signals that rugby's professional ambitions in India are no longer just aspirational.
Key Takeaways
Hyderabad Heroes won Rugby Premier League Season 2 on 28 June 2026 , defeating Mumbai Dreamers 41-17 at Gachibowli Stadium .
Hyderabad claimed the winner's prize of ₹45 lakh ; Mumbai Dreamers received ₹25 lakh as runners-up.
Bengaluru Bravehearts finished third, beating Chennai Bulls 22-19 and earning ₹15 lakh .
Key try-scorers for Hyderabad included Diego Ardao (two tries), Taitaifono Tavita , Shivam Shukla , Kevin Wekesa , and Terio Tamani .
Season 2 featured an RPL Women's League for the first time, alongside increased crowds and broadcast viewership, according to Rugby India .
Hyderabad Heroes were crowned champions of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) Season 2 on Sunday, 28 June 2026, defeating Mumbai Dreamers by 41-17 in a commanding final at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. The Heroes claimed the winner's prize of ₹45 lakh, while Mumbai Dreamers took home ₹25 lakh as runners-up.
A Clinical Final Performance
Mumbai Dreamers dominated early possession but failed to convert pressure into points, as Hyderabad's disciplined defence forced crucial turnovers. The Heroes capitalised through swift counter-attacks — Francisco Cosculluela's steal set up Taitaifono Tavita, before Manuel Moreno won possession to create an easy finish for Shivam Shukla. A drop goal from Maurice Longbottom gave Hyderabad firm control at the break.
After half-time, the Heroes maintained their relentless tempo. Tavita again created space on the left for Diego Ardao to score. Mumbai briefly threatened when sharper ball movement released Ethan McFarland, but Hyderabad continued to punish turnovers — Ardao grabbed his second try before Kevin Wekesa finished a flowing move out wide. Terio Tamani extended the lead early in the final quarter. James Turner pulled one back for the Dreamers and later set up Sukumar Hembrom late on, but Hyderabad's clinical finishing and defensive intensity sealed a commanding victory.
Third-Place Finish for Bengaluru
Bengaluru Bravehearts secured third place after defeating Chennai Bulls by 22-19 in an entertaining play-off encounter, claiming prize money of ₹15 lakh.
What the RPL President Said
Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, said: 'The HSBC RPL 2026 Powered by Avid, has been bigger and better than the previous year's league, in every way: larger crowds, even more world class players, an RPL Women's league, greater fan engagement both online and offline, more sponsorship, and, we believe, much larger viewing numbers on broadcast. What more could we ask for? Thank you to each and every Indian who has discovered their love for this incredibly exciting sport.'
A Growing League
Season 2 of the RPL marked a notable expansion from its debut edition, with the addition of an RPL Women's League and increased broadcast viewership, according to Rugby India. The tournament's growing prize pool and international player roster signal rugby's rising profile in India's professional sports landscape. With the momentum from two successful seasons, all eyes will be on whether the RPL can sustain and build on this growth in Season 3.
Point of View
But Hyderabad's win was built on something more structural: the ability to defend without the ball and punish turnovers at pace — a template that separates genuine rugby sides from collections of talent. The more significant story, however, is institutional. The RPL's addition of a Women's League in just its second season, combined with growing broadcast numbers, suggests India's rugby administrators are moving faster than most niche sports federations dare. The real test will come in Season 3: can the league retain its international players, grow domestic talent like Shivam Shukla and Sukumar Hembrom into marquee names, and convert casual viewers into committed fans? Rugby in India has had false dawns before; the RPL's trajectory at least looks deliberate.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Rugby Premier League Season 2?
Hyderabad Heroes won the Rugby Premier League Season 2, defeating Mumbai Dreamers 41-17 in the final at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad on 28 June 2026. They received a winner's prize of ₹45 lakh.
What was the final score of the RPL Season 2 final?
Hyderabad Heroes defeated Mumbai Dreamers by 41-17 in the RPL Season 2 final. The match was played at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad on 28 June 2026.
Who finished third in Rugby Premier League Season 2?
Bengaluru Bravehearts finished third, defeating Chennai Bulls 22-19 in the third-place play-off. They received prize money of ₹15 lakh.
What is the Rugby Premier League prize money for Season 2?
The RPL Season 2 winners Hyderabad Heroes received ₹45 lakh, runners-up Mumbai Dreamers received ₹25 lakh, and third-placed Bengaluru Bravehearts received ₹15 lakh.
What was new in Rugby Premier League Season 2?
Season 2 of the RPL introduced an RPL Women's League for the first time, alongside larger crowds, more international players, increased sponsorship, and higher broadcast viewership, according to Rugby India president Rahul Bose.
