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Rugby Premier League to have inaugural women's edition in June
Rugby Premier League (RPL) will host its inaugural women's edition in June with four franchises competing from June 16-28 at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. Four of the six men's teams from 2025 will also field women's teams. A combined player draft and auction for both women's and men's teams is scheduled in Hyderabad on April 30.
Why It Matters
This marks the expansion of the RPL to include a women’s edition, signaling growth of women's rugby and broader franchise participation in the league.
Timeline
3 Events
Draft and auction for all teams to be held in Hyderabad
April 27, 2026
The player draft and auction for the four women's teams and the six men's teams, including Hyderabad Heroes and Bengaluru Bravehearts, will take place in Hyderabad on April 30.
RPL announces inaugural women's edition for June 2026 in Hyderabad
April 27, 2026
Rugby Premier League will run its inaugural women's edition in June 2026, with four franchises — Chennai Bulls (owned by Avid Sys Sports), Delhi Redz (RMZ Corp), Mumbai Dreamers (Dream Sports), and Kolkata Banga Tigers (Hunch Ventures) — competing alongside six men's teams. The event will take place from June 16 to 28 at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. GMR Sports, in partnership with Rugby India, is organising the league. The participating women's teams will be drafted/auctioned in Hyderabad on April 30.
HSBC Rugby Premier League's debut season held in Mumbai in 2025
2025
The HSBC Rugby Premier League held its debut season in Mumbai in 2025, featuring six men's franchises.