Has RPL Season 1 Created Something Special for Rugby in India?

Mumbai, June 30 (NationPress) Following the stunning victory of the Chennai Bulls in Season 1 of the Rugby Premier League (RPL), head coach Ben Gollings expressed immense pride, highlighting not only his team's performance but also the remarkable accomplishments of the league in a short span of time.

In a thrilling final lit by bright lights and electrifying energy, the Bulls delivered a commanding performance, clinching a 41-0 victory over the Delhi Redz, thus securing the inaugural title in an impressive manner. The Bulls, who demonstrated consistent improvement throughout the competition, showcased their best game yet, completely outclassing the Redz in front of a fervent audience.

Gollings, who played a pivotal role in leading the Bulls to triumph, remarked that Rugby India has crafted something extraordinary.

“I commend GMR and Rugby India for their vision and the execution over the past two weeks. It has been truly remarkable, and I believe this is a monumental step for the sport. The prospects in 15s are promising, but the sevens format greatly benefits from this platform, allowing players to compete against the world's elite and pursue opportunities in the Olympics,” Gollings stated post-match.

“The chance to earn a living through the sport they cherish is fantastic. For corporations, this presents an excellent chance to get involved, and I am hopeful for its growth as we look forward to future seasons,” he added.

“They have indeed created something remarkable here, offering exposure to rugby in India. Now is the moment to capitalize on this momentum and encourage youth participation in rugby. We've been tossing rugby balls into the crowd, and it would be wonderful to see them being tossed around in the streets like cricket,” he commented.

“It all begins with kids having fun in their backyards, and as they progress to high-performance levels, it becomes even more essential. The key lesson is to maintain this momentum, and I believe rugby is on its way to becoming a significant sport in India,” he continued.

The Bulls' journey was defined not only by their point totals but also by the camaraderie among players from diverse backgrounds, uniting over their love for the game. Star player Terry Kennedy, who brought his international experience to the Indian scene, reflected on this journey with pride.

“I thoroughly enjoyed embracing and experiencing the various cultures and personalities within our team. Despite our differences, we embraced one another's uniqueness and the traits they brought. Even with language barriers, rugby united us, creating a strong bond throughout the season,” Kennedy expressed.

He also commented on the quality of rugby displayed in the league. “The level of competition was astounding; all six teams excelled on their best days, resulting in numerous close matches. I believe it will continue to evolve, and next season, teams will likely develop their synergy more quickly, leading to even greater competitiveness and quality over the years,” he stated.

Shahnawaz Ahmed, a prominent Indian rugby player, echoed these sentiments, discussing the league's impact not just on participants but also on audiences at home.

“Without the RPL, we would have faced numerous hurdles before competing against such international stars. This league has provided us with invaluable exposure to the world's best, and the lessons learned will greatly benefit our domestic clubs and the national team,” he remarked.

“Thanks to the RPL, our juniors and teammates now have hope that they, too, can compete at this level. It has motivated them, and rugby is becoming a household name, significantly enhancing its popularity in India,” Ahmed added.

The RPL has not only provided exhilarating on-field action but has also ignited a sports movement that brings Indian rugby closer to a global audience. The league allowed many Indian players, such as Javed Hussain from the Hyderabad Heroes, to share locker rooms with international Olympians, which is set to transform the Indian rugby landscape.