‘Passion now fuelled by purpose’

Bengaluru: Rugby, played in more than 120 countries, enjoys a distinct global frenzy. However, it is also a well-established fact that it’s nearly an obscure sport in India.   

According to recent data, the country has around 1,00,000-1,20,000 registered players (men and women included). While that’s a massive increase in numbers from a few thousands over the past decade, the growth has been painstakingly slow.  

In a bid to overturn the fortunes and fast-track its popularity, the sports’ national federation launched the Rugby Premier League - a six city-based franchise event in the Rugby 7s format - with its opener held last evening and the final scheduled on June 29 in Mumbai. And actor Rahul Bose, president Rugby India, believes that the league will transform the landscape of the sport in India. 

“For the longest time, this sport ran on nothing but passion. Today, it runs on purpose,” said the 57-year-old, a former player himself with 17 international caps. 

“A league like the RPL is like a booster shot for the sport. Our aim is to be at the biggest tournaments like the Olympics or the World Cup. This could speed up the journey. What would’ve taken 50 to 75 years could now take just 25 or 30.”

The professional structure of a franchise-based league with over 30 international Rugby 7s stars competing is the kind of good exposure Indian players longed for, said Bose. 

“It’s an eye opener. This type of exposure will encourage our players to recognise the global standards they must meet in order to be called world-class,” Bose told DH.

While exposure is essential, how much of it really translates into developing rugby remains to be seen. The experience of Indian Super League (football) tells us that exposure alone doesn’t guarantee success. In what way RPL is different only time will tell.    

Along with Bengaluru Bravehearts, Chennai Bulls, Hyderabad Heroes, Mumbai Dreamers, Kalinga Black Tigers and Delhi Redz are the other five teams - each with five foreign players, five domestic talents and three from bridge countries. The inaugural tournament boasts Olympic medal winners, World Sevens Players of the Year and World Cup winners from Fiji, New Zealand, South Africa among others. 

“My aim is that in the next few years, when children in India consider a career in sports, rugby will be right up there with excellent, culturally entrenched sports like cricket, football, hockey and kabaddi.

“Starting immediately after June 29, six franchises will begin scouting talent across the country. This search will help create six thriving rugby ecosystems, offering young players clear, accessible pathways to a professional career in the sport,” said Bose.

Another league of a niche sport in the country has kicked-off. And with it, the stakeholders promise progress. Will the initial enthusiasm go the distance and sustain in the long run?

Khatri looks to win it for Bengaluru Bravehearts

Coached by Spain’s Franciso Hernandez, the Bengaluru Bravehearts acquired Mohit Khatri - the most expensive Indian signing at Rs 4.75 lakhs of season 1. 

The 27-year-old from Kundli in Sonipat district of Haryana, captained the men’s national team last year and is a multiple National Games gold medal winner. Taking to rugby after watching his cousin play in a wrestling-dominant region, Khatri feels RPL is a watershed moment for the sport’s community. 

“I’m super excited. We would watch the best players on television and now people like me have a chance to team-up with them and compete,” said Khatri who will play as a hybrid for the Bengaluru side. 

“The preparatory camp has been about bridging the gap between the top, intermediate and the Indian players. The level of play and the styles are very different and diverse. This has been the focus so we can perform as a team,” offered Khatri who hopes the Bravehearts will be the first to lift the title in a few days from now.