Fiji 7s stars Joji Nasova and Terio Tamani led the Hyderabad Heroes to a 24-14 victory over the Kalinga Black Tigers, coached by DJ Forbes, in the inaugural Rugby Premier League sevens competition held in India. The tournament commenced recently and features a competitive lineup of six teams, setting the stage for exciting rugby action.
The Kalinga Black Tigers squad includes notable talents such as South African sevens legend Rosko Specman, USA 7s sprinter Perry Baker, Australian Maurice Longbottom, and former Irish captain Harry McNulty, all under the guidance of former USA Men’s 7s coach Mike Friday. In contrast, the Hyderabad Heroes emphasized local talent in their formation while benefiting from the inclusion of Nasova and Tamani.
Among the other teams participating, the Bengaluru Bravehearts fielded Iowane Teba alongside New Zealand’s sevens trio of Tone Shiu, Scott Curry, and Akuila Rokolisoa, under the coaching of Francisco Hernandez, a former Spanish player. Notably, the Bengaluru Bravehearts and Delhi Redz ended their match in a 21-21 draw, showcasing the competitive nature of the league.
The Kalinga Black Tigers are set to face the Bengaluru Bravehearts tomorrow, with live coverage available on FBC Sports, highlighting the growing interest in rugby within India.
This inaugural league is poised to enhance the profile of rugby in India, fueled by the presence of international stars coupled with homegrown talent. Such initiatives align with goals to inspire a new generation of players and fans while fostering a vibrant rugby community that could pave the way for India’s aspirations, including qualifying for future Olympic Games. The collaborative effort of international and local athletes may lead to significant growth in rugby’s popularity within the nation, indicating a hopeful trajectory for this rich sport.
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