Will RPL Transform the Future of Young Indian Rugby Players?

Mumbai, June 27 (NationPress) Gaurav Kumar, a recent addition to the Chennai Bulls as a replacement player, has quickly established his impact by scoring three conversions during their impressive 40-21 victory over the Kalinga Black Tigers in the inaugural Rugby Premier League (RPL) held at the Shahaji Raje Bhosle Kreeda Sankul (Andheri Sports Complex) on Thursday.

This victory allowed the Chennai Bulls to conclude their league stage with six wins, securing the second position on the points table. After the match, Gaurav Kumar shared his initial experiences in the RPL.

“At first, there was some pressure. I wondered how I would perform alongside players who have earned Olympic medals and what it would feel like to compete with Olympians for the first time. However, once we played our first match, it started to feel normal,” he remarked.

Reflecting on his journey into rugby, Gaurav shared, “I began playing rugby at 14 in Patna. My journey took me to Odisha, where I greatly enjoyed the game, boosting my confidence. I represented Bihar for the first time and earned my first medal in the U-18 category. My passion for rugby only grew, eventually making me a senior player on the Bihar team.”

His determination enabled him to join the Indian camp multiple times, culminating in his participation in the Asian Championship in 2022, where he scored the most points. “I was part of the Indian U-17 camp but wasn’t selected. Though disappointed, I persevered. I finally made it to the Indian Rugby 15s team in 2022, excelling as the top scorer in the Asian Championship's third division,” he explained.

Now the head coach of the Bihar rugby team, Gaurav began coaching at 19, taking charge of the Bihar U-18s. He also discussed the potential influence of the RPL on rugby in India.

“This league will significantly impact young Indian players. Rugby is already popular in certain areas, and the league will enhance its visibility as many Indians tune in and aspire to be part of it. The excitement among players to participate is palpable,” he added.

On the lessons learned with the Chennai Bulls, Gaurav emphasized, “Trusting your teammates is crucial. Allow them to play their game and communicate when mistakes happen. I’ve learned there’s no pressure; you should enjoy the sport. Bravery is vital. Our coach and experienced players encourage us to be courageous and support us in correcting our errors. This support system is a remarkable aspect of our team.”

Without revealing too much, Gaurav shared the Chennai Bulls' mindset as they head into the playoffs on Sunday. “Our focus is on the playoffs. With some players getting a chance to rest, we’re ready for the semi-finals and finals. Our coach has a strategy in place, but that remains confidential,” he concluded.