Brands rally behind India’s First Rugby Sevens League as RPL kicks off

Mumbai: As India’s first-ever franchise-based Rugby Sevens tournament, the GMR Rugby Premier League (RPL) kicks off, it is witnessing robust participation from leading brands like Sportz Interactive, HSBC India, and Priority Pass, who are helping elevate the sport’s visibility, digital presence, and athlete experience.

Backed by Rugby India and GMR Sports, RPL has become a compelling platform for both sporting innovation and brand engagement. From digital innovation to athlete-centric partnerships, companies are rallying behind the sport in a show of confidence in rugby’s growing relevance in India.

Sportz Interactive: Powering RPL’s Digital Transformation

Sportz Interactive (SI) has joined forces with RPL as its official digital and content partner, aiming to reshape how rugby is experienced online in India. SI launched the official RPL website (www.rugbypremierleague.in), set up and manages the league’s social channels, and is spearheading campaign initiatives like the #RugRugMeinRugby movement. It has also delivered high-impact content around marquee events including franchise and player announcements.

Speaking on the development, Chintan Shah, SVP – Teams at Sportz Interactive said, “Rugby is stepping into an exciting new era in India and we’re excited to collaborate with the Rugby Premier League to bring this vision to life. From establishing its digital presence to creating impactful stories, we view this as more than just a league; it’s a movement. At Sportz Interactive, we’re dedicated to blending data, design, and storytelling to spark fan enthusiasm and unlock the sport’s full potential.”

HSBC India: Title Sponsor and Global Rugby Advocate

Banking giant HSBC India has stepped in as the Powered By partner for the league’s inaugural season, aligning its global legacy in rugby promotion with India’s first-of-its-kind rugby league.

Sandeep Batra, Head International Wealth and Premier Banking, HSBC India, said, “At HSBC, we believe, in the transformative power of sport to inspire, unite, and create opportunities. This partnership reflects our commitment to fostering talent and expanding the reach of rugby, both on and off the pitch. Together we aim to elevate the sport to new heights, nurturing young talent, and bring the excitement of rugby to a broader audience in India and beyond. We believe in the spirit of partnership and use our expertise and international scale to help sports grow and reach larger audiences. We are committed to providing opportunities for young people through grassroots initiatives.”

Talking about the collaboration, Rahul Bose, President Rugby India, and League Commissioner, GMR RPL, said, “The launch of the GMR Rugby Premier League is a significant milestone for Indian rugby. Having HSBC partner with us in this journey is a testament to the credibility and promise that the sport holds in the country. HSBC’s global experience in promoting Rugby Sevens will be invaluable as we aim to take the sport to newer heights, nurture homegrown talent, and create an exciting platform for rugby fans in India.”

Satyam Trivedi, CEO, GMR Sports, said, “We are thrilled to welcome HSBC as our official sponsor for the upcoming Rugby Premier League. As one of the most credible global brands, HSBC’s longstanding commitment to supporting rugby worldwide adds immense value to our tournament. Their partnership is a strong endorsement of the potential of Rugby Sevens in the Indian market. Having a reputable partner like HSBC onboard is a matter of great pride for us, and it reflects the confidence in the growth and future of rugby in India. Together, we look forward to taking the game of rugby to new heights.”

Priority Pass: Enhancing Team Travel with Chennai Bulls

In a first-of-its-kind move, Priority Pass™, the leading global airport lounge access programme by Collinson International, has become the Official Airport Lounge Partner for the Chennai Bulls, one of RPL’s franchise teams.

Each player and coach on the Chennai Bulls roster will receive a one-year Priority Pass Prestige Membership, offering access to over 1,700 airport lounges worldwide.

Commenting on the partnership with the Chennai Bulls Team, Todd Handcock, Global Chief Commercial Officer and Asia Pacific Executive Chair, Collinson International, said, “India’s inaugural rugby sevens league marks a significant step toward establishing rugby as a premier sport in India, while supporting aspiring athletes; and as such, we are thrilled to be supporting the Chennai Bulls. By providing the team with access to Priority Pass’ airport lounges and travel experiences when travelling domestically within India as well as globally, we hope that they can enjoy a better rest before their flights and arrive at their destinations feeling more refreshed and ready to perform at their best.”

Gaurav Goyal, Chennai Bulls, India Lead said, “We are thankful for Priority Pass’ dedication and support for our athletes as they embark on this milestone competition. This valued partnership will greatly enhance the travel experience for our teams, significantly easing the burden of travel-related stress and allowing our athletes to deliver their best performance.”

The GMR Rugby Premier League began on 15 June 2025, with the finals scheduled for 29 June at Mumbai’s Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex. The tournament features 34 matches and brings together 30 marquee international players from rugby powerhouses like New Zealand, Fiji, and Great Britain, alongside 30 Indian athletes.