Delhi Redz win RPL Season 2 women's title, beat Chennai Bulls 22-10
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Delhi Redz were crowned the first-ever women's champions of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) on Tuesday, 23 June, defeating Chennai Bulls 22-10 at the Ganti Mohana Chandra Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Gachibowli, Hyderabad. The victory on Day 8 of RPL Season 2 marked a historic milestone for women's rugby in India, with the inaugural women's competition drawing 48 players — including 24 international stars from 10 countries — and offering a total prize purse of ₹40 lakh.
Delhi Redz Dominate the Final
Delhi Redz controlled possession from the opening whistle, with winger Lavena Cavuru drawing first blood on the left flank. Chennai Bulls struggled to breach the Redz defensive line before Muskan Piploda finally crossed over in the second quarter to bring the Bulls back into contention.
The response was swift: Eden Kilgour scored immediately to restore Delhi's advantage. The Bulls enjoyed sustained possession through the third quarter but were unable to convert pressure into points — a costly failure that ultimately decided the contest. Silika Qalo extended the lead with a right-wing try in the final period, and Isadora Lopes added another late score. A consolation try from Sheilla Chajira for the Bulls was not enough, as Delhi closed out a 22-10 win and claimed the ₹25 lakh winner's purse. Chennai Bulls received ₹15 lakh as runners-up.
Men's Results: Hyderabad Heroes Sink Delhi Redz
In the men's competition on the same day, Hyderabad Heroes defeated Delhi Redz 26-17. Diego Ardao opened the scoring with a flowing finish before Elias Hancock levelled after Patrick Odongo was forced off injured for Delhi. Taitaifono Tavita restored the Heroes' lead before half-time, and a clever kick created a try for Ravuama Seruvakula after the break. Wolfram Hacker added another as Hyderabad pulled clear. Late tries from Lennox Wiese and Alasio Naduva gave Delhi hope, but the Heroes held on for the win.
Bengaluru Bravehearts End Mumbai Dreamers' Unbeaten Run
Bengaluru Bravehearts put in a dominant display to end Mumbai Dreamers' unbeaten run in the men's section. Zain Davids and Akuila Rokolisoa gave Bengaluru an early platform, with further tries from Shilton van Wyk, Ngarohi McGarvey, Ganesh Majhi, and Magomederassul Magomedov making the contest one-sided. Ben Lasike and Guillaume Bouche replied for Mumbai, but the Bravehearts were comfortable winners.
Chennai Bulls Edge Kolkata Banga Tigers
In the other men's fixture, Chennai Bulls overcame Kolkata Banga Tigers. Filipe Sauturaga gave the Bulls an early lead before Taualai Panoa extended it in the second quarter. Kolkata pressed hard and eventually pulled one back through Ricardo Duarttee, but the late score was not enough as the Bulls held on for victory.
With the women's title now decided, attention turns to the men's competition as teams battle for the RPL Season 2 men's crown in the days ahead.