Following the success of its inaugural edition in Mumbai last year, Rugby India has announced that the second season of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) will be held at Gachibowli Stadium from June 16 to 28, 2026.
The league will once again feature the same six franchises, continuing its high-performance format that brings together top Indian and international players, offering fans an intense and fast-paced rugby spectacle.
Welcoming the move to Hyderabad, Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to the Government of Telangana (Youth Advancement, Tourism & Culture & Sports Department), highlighted the state’s long-term vision for sports development, saying Hyderabad’s rise as a global sporting destination reflects strong policy support and international partnerships. He added that events like the RPL contribute significantly to tourism, urban visibility, and the state’s sports economy.
Rahul Bose, president of Rugby India, said the league’s focus remains on continuous improvement, emphasizing better delivery for fans, sponsors, and franchises. He noted that RPL 2026 aims to enhance the overall experience with world-class rugby action and a stronger broadcast and OTT product, while acknowledging the importance of partners in the league’s growth journey.
The decision to host the tournament in Hyderabad aligns with GMR Sports’ broader vision of developing world-class sporting ecosystems. The announcement follows its strategic Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Telangana to explore the development of a Satellite Sports City within Bharat Future City.
GMR Sports CEO Satyam Trivedi highlighted Hyderabad’s strong infrastructure, connectivity, fan base, and franchise presence as key reasons for hosting the league in the city. He said the move reflects the organization’s commitment to growing rugby in India and providing top-tier sporting experiences.
A. Sonibala Devi, IFS, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Sports Authority of Telangana, said hosting the RPL will strengthen the state’s high-performance ecosystem and provide valuable exposure for emerging athletes, reinforcing Telangana’s commitment to sporting excellence.
With elite competition, a proven league format, and a new host city, the second edition of the Rugby Premier League is set to further boost the growth of rugby in India while delivering a high-quality sporting experience for fans.