It was a remarkable day for Rugby as the first season of the GMR Rugby Premier League kicked off in style on Sunday evening at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex in Andheri. All six teams played on the opening day, offering fans an exciting glimpse into this ancient sport. The first match ended in a thrilling draw between the Bengaluru Bravehearts and the Delhi Redz, while the Chennai Bulls and Hyderabad Heroes secured impressive victories.
The opening match featured the Bengaluru Bravehearts facing off against the Delhi Redz in a gripping encounter. After four intense quarters, neither team managed to clinch victory, and the match concluded with a score of 21-21. For the Bravehearts, Akuila Rokolisoa was a standout player, scoring twice in the first and second quarters. Philip Wokorach added another try in the later part of the match, with Rokolisoa also converting his attempts. The Delhi Redz, who fell behind early, rallied back strong with Patrick Okongo scoring two tries, while Matias Osadczuk also contributed with a try to help level the game before time ran out.
The second match of the day saw the Chennai Bulls dominate the Mumbai Dreamers, winning comfortably with a score of 24-5. The first quarter was tense, with no points scored. However, once they found their rhythm, the Bulls took control of the game. Terry Kennedy shone with tries in the second and third quarters, while Vaafauese Maliko and Muhammed Ep also added to the scoreboard. Despite the Bulls’ strong performance, the Mumbai Dreamers got on the board thanks to Henry Hutchinson’s try in the last quarter.
In the final match, the Hyderabad Heroes displayed excellent teamwork as they overcame the Kalinga Black Tigers with a score of 24-14. Joji Nasova kicked things off for Hyderabad with an early try, but Maurice Longbottom of Kalinga quickly equalized. Both teams exchanged tries, with standout players like Manuel Moreno and Harry McNulty making contributions. In the second half, Hyderabad surged ahead with tries from Javed Hussein and Kevin Wekesa, sealing their victory.
Grand Opening Ceremony Begins the Tournament
The Rugby Premier League officially launched with a fantastic opening ceremony on Sunday night. The event featured appearances by Bollywood stars and key figures such as Mr. Abhishek Bachchan, the Sports Ambassador for Rugby, and Mr. Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India. They, along with franchise owners and international players, unveiled the league’s impressive trophy, setting the tone for an exciting tournament ahead.
The trophy stands 22 inches tall and showcases a Black Nickel-plated human hand holding a Gold-plated rugby ball. Its design captures the spirit of rugby, symbolizing teamwork, strength, and unity. A blend of metals represents India’s rich heritage and vibrant present, embodying the core values of the sport.
