New Delhi, April 6 (NationPress) Rugby India announced on Monday that the much-anticipated second edition of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) is set to unfold at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad from June 16 to 28.

Following the remarkable success of last year's inaugural event held in Mumbai, this edition will feature the same six franchises, ensuring a platform that showcases elite athletes from India and abroad while delivering an exhilarating rugby experience for fans.

In welcoming the league to Hyderabad, Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to Government (Youth Advancement, Tourism & Culture & Sports Department), Government of Telangana, stated, “Hyderabad’s rise as a global sports hub is a testament to Telangana’s commitment to fostering international partnerships. Events like the Rugby Premier League significantly boost tourism, enhance urban visibility, and strengthen the state’s sports economy.”

Reinforcing this sentiment, Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, remarked, “In every endeavor, the goal is to improve, enhance, and deliver excellence. This principle will remain central to the RPL.”

He elaborated, “Creating a world-class event is just the beginning. We are dedicated to providing a superior experience for our fans, meeting the expectations of our sponsors, and being reliable partners for our franchises, their owners, and support teams. The RPL 2026 at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad aims to achieve all of this and more. We assure an improved fan experience, even more thrilling world-class rugby, and an outstanding television and OTT presentation. We rely on all our partners, including the media, for their guidance and support. Here’s to an exciting RPL 2026!”

The decision to host the league in Hyderabad is in line with GMR Sports’ broader vision of developing world-class sports ecosystems. This announcement follows GMR Sports’ recent strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Telangana, focused on creating a Satellite Sports City within Bharat Future City.

Satyam Trivedi, CEO of GMR Sports, highlighted the importance of Gachibowli Stadium as the venue for the second Rugby Premier League season, citing the city’s excellent infrastructure, connectivity, enthusiastic fan base, and the presence of a franchise partner. This initiative underscores GMR Sports’ commitment to advancing rugby's growth, providing premier sporting experiences, and inspiring future athletes in Hyderabad and throughout India.

A. Sonibala Devi, IFS, Vice Chairman & Managing Director of the Sports Authority of Telangana (SATG), stressed the event's importance from a high-performance standpoint. “Hosting the Rugby Premier League at Gachibowli Stadium enhances our high-performance ecosystem and offers invaluable opportunities for emerging talents. Such international competitions expedite athlete development and reaffirm Telangana’s dedication to sporting excellence,” she stated.

The second edition of the Rugby Premier League is set to highlight elite-level rugby featuring intense competition, a proven league format, and a new host city, all while furthering the development of rugby in India.