Seven players from Fiji have officially joined the Rugby Premier League, marking a significant milestone as it becomes the world’s first franchise-based sevens competition in India. The players include prominent names like Joseva Talacolo, Ioane Teba, Jioji Nasova, Terio Tamani, Filipe Sauturaga, Waisea Nacuqu, and Akuila Rokolisoa, known for their expertise in the sevens format.
Notably, All Blacks Sevens coach Tomasi Cama Jnr is also part of this development, though inquiries made to the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) CEO, Rovereto Nayacalevu, about this transition have yet to receive a response.
Players will compete for franchises such as the Bengaluru Bravehearts, Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Hyderabad Heroes, Kalinga Black Tigers, and the Mumbai Dreamers in the league, which is set to commence on June 1. The league, supported by World Rugby, will feature 34 matches over 15 days and is backed by prime-time broadcasters Star Sports and JioHotstar. It promises to offer players a salary of A$24,000 (FJ$33,600) for their involvement.
Expectations are high for the competition, envisioned to supercharge rugby’s expansion in India. Rahul Bose, president of Rugby India, has articulated the league’s intent to attract investment in coaching and local talent, signifying a step forward in the sport’s development in a country where rugby currently ranks 86th for men and 52nd for women in World Rugby’s rankings.
Bose expressed hopes that the emergence of this league could pave the way for India to qualify for the Olympics by 2032, contingent upon improving the current rankings of the national teams. With such ambitious initiatives, the Rugby Premier League has the potential not only to raise the profile of rugby in India but also to inspire a new generation of players and fans, cultivating a vibrant sporting community.
As rugby increasingly evolves in India, the blend of local talents and international stars through this league could lead to an exciting future for this emerging market in the sport, reinforcing the notion that innovation in sports can open new avenues for growth and engagement.
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