GMR Sports, in partnership with Rugby India, has officially announced the second edition of the Rugby Premier League (RPL), set to take place at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad from June 16 to 28, 2026.

Following a successful inaugural season held in Mumbai, the league returns in the fast-paced Rugby 7s format, continuing its mission to accelerate the growth and global competitiveness of rugby in India. The upcoming edition will once again feature six franchises, bringing together a dynamic mix of international stars and emerging Indian talent.

The first season of the Rugby Premier League set a strong benchmark, with Chennai Bulls crowned as the inaugural champions after a thrilling campaign. Their victory underlined the competitive nature of the league and set the tone for what promises to be an even more exciting second season.

Speaking on the league’s evolution, Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, said, “With everything one does in life, the quest is to always do better, be better, deliver better. That will continue to be the cornerstone of the RPL.” He further emphasised the league’s commitment to improving fan experience and strengthening partnerships across stakeholders.

The decision to host the tournament in Hyderabad reflects GMR Sports’ broader vision of building world-class sporting ecosystems across India. Highlighting this, Satyam Trivedi, CEO, GMR Sports, said, “We’re delighted to bring the second season of the Rugby Premier League to Hyderabad. The city’s premier sports infrastructure, excellent connectivity, and passionate fan base make it the perfect home for the league.”

The announcement follows GMR Sports’ strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Telangana, focused on developing a Satellite Sports City within Bharat Future City. The move underscores a shared commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and fostering long-term growth in the ecosystem.

Welcoming the league, Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana, noted, “Hyderabad’s emergence as a global sporting destination reflects the state’s long-term vision and institutional support for international partnerships. Events like the Rugby Premier League contribute significantly to tourism and the broader sports economy.”

From a high-performance perspective, hosting the league in Hyderabad is expected to provide valuable exposure to emerging players. A. Sonibala Devi, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Sports Authority of Telangana, added, “Such international competitions accelerate athlete development and reinforce Telangana’s commitment to sporting excellence.”

As anticipation builds, the second edition of the Rugby Premier League promises another exciting chapter - combining elite competition, engaging fan experiences, and a continued focus on growing rugby in India.

With momentum from a successful debut season and a new host city ready to embrace the action, RPL 2026 is set to deliver a compelling showcase of Rugby 7s this June.