Could RPL Revolutionize Rugby 7s? Insights from Olympian Aaron Cummings of Mumbai Dreamers

Mumbai, June 22 (NationPress) It has been precisely a week since the Rugby Premier League (RPL) launched its inaugural season. Olympian Aaron Cummings, representing the Mumbai Dreamers, believes that this league holds the potential to transform the landscape of Rugby 7s.

Expounding on what differentiates the league's format, the 27-year-old remarked, "This is a fresh concept, something thrilling, and I genuinely believe that the RPL might revolutionize the realm of Sevens with its innovative approach."

"It's simply unique. The intensity is elevated. You witness more significant collisions on the field. Typically, after about four minutes, players begin to tire, and the pace slows down. However, with only four minutes per quarter in this league, you can maintain that high intensity and impactful scoring. Hence, I find this format exceptional," he elaborated.

Cummings also expressed that the dynamic format of the RPL is likely to capture the interest of fans back in his home country. "Given its structure, the RPL should appeal to the American audience as it resembles (American) football with its quarters. I believe the crowd in the USA would enthusiastically support it," he opined.

Reflecting on his experience in the RPL thus far, Cummings stated, "My journey has been fantastic. The league has shown immense care for us. The Dreamers franchise and Dream 11 have exceeded expectations. It’s been a wonderful experience."

When discussing his enjoyment of playing in India, he mentioned, “I’m here to inspire and educate, but I’m also keen on absorbing knowledge myself. The RPL has rekindled my passion for the game and reminded me of why I love it. This experience has been monumental for me.”

The RPL marks the first-ever franchise tournament in Rugby 7s, presenting a distinctive opportunity for the sport's growth in India. Cummings believes that this league will significantly impact the sport's popularity, particularly in India.

"I see this as a considerable advancement, especially for India. I’m confident that you can identify 13-14 players who could be elite in this sport, if not more. The league's format with four quarters will tremendously accelerate the game's growth," he asserted.

Cummings further elaborated on the benefits of having Marquee, Bridge, and Indian players involved. He said, "The presence of numerous Marquee players in the league, mentoring Indian and Bridge players from lower-ranked nations, is a fantastic learning opportunity. Honestly, I believe this league is destined to flourish. Rahul Bose and GMR have done an outstanding job in structuring this entire format effectively."