Indian National Rugby Teams and Rugby Premier League

Our founder Serge Kampf was passionate about the sport and all that it represented – and indeed, ever since the Group’s creation, Rugby has been in our DNA. Sports has strongly influenced our culture and our values, especially team spirit and fun.

“Transformation Partner” of Indian National Rugby Teams and Rugby Premier League from 2025 – 2028

Building on the partnership as ‘Associate Sponsor’ announced in 2022, we have extended our association with Indian Rugby Football Union as the ‘Transformation Partner’ until 2028, supporting both Rugby 7s and 15s teams for men, women, boys and girls.

Capgemini is also the ‘Transformation Partner’ of HSBC Rugby Premier League till 2028, the first ever franchise-based league in India, helping to enhance player performance, uplift players’ social and sports profiles, and increase grassroots participation in rugby.

Read the 2025 press release

Rooted in the Capgemini’s shared values of team spirit and fun, this partnership reflects how rugby is about working together, celebrating collective effort, and winning as one team.

From grassroot dreams to elite performance  

Capgemini’s partnership with Indian rugby has evolved from enabling participation to strengthening high‑performance systems. The renewed phase reflects a long‑term vision to transforming the sport, building capability, competitiveness, promoting the game at grassroot level, and sustainable growth across the rugby ecosystem in India.

Building on the success of the inaugural 2025 edition of Rugby Premier League, 2026 will field 4 women’s teams alongside 6 men’s teams in Rugby 7’s format. Capgemini will continue its commitment to promote inclusion both on and off the field.

Official Transformation Partner

Rugby Premier League 2025 – 2028

Sanjay Chalke

CEO, Capgemini –  India 

“At Capgemini, rugby is more than a legacy association, it’s a reflection of how we bring our values to life. Rooted in team spirit and fun, it mirrors the way we collaborate, connect, and make it real every day. Our continued partnership with the Indian Rugby Football Union for the Rugby Premier League builds on this shared foundation. It underscores Capgemini’s long-term commitment to growing the sport in India from enabling wider participation to strengthening high-performance pathways. As we support rugby’s evolution, our focus remains on building capability, fostering competitiveness, and deepening grassroots engagement while championing inclusion both on and off the field. For Capgemini, it’s not just about the game, but about shaping a more connected, inclusive, and vibrant future for rugby in India.”

Rahul Bose

Rahul Bose, President, IRFU

“The HSBC Rugby Premier League, Powered by AVID has already demonstrated the potential of professional rugby to accelerate the growth of the sport in India. As we enter the second season, the introduction of women’s teams alongside the men’s competition marks another important step in creating a more inclusive and representative platform for the game.

Capgemini has been a valued partner in this journey, supporting our efforts to strengthen high-performance pathways, expand opportunities for athletes, and build a sustainable rugby ecosystem. Together, we share a long-term vision of elevating Indian rugby on the continental and global stage, while inspiring more young people across the country to take up the sport.”

Sujoy Ganguly

CMO, GMR Sports

“As we enter the second season of the HSBC Rugby Premier League, we are building on the success of the inaugural edition with the introduction of four women’s teams and new technology-led enhancements that will elevate officiating, match reviews and the overall fan experience. The continued partnership with Capgemini reflects a shared ambition to drive the growth of rugby through innovation and world-class experiences. Together, we are helping shape a sporting ecosystem that can inspire new audiences and unlock rugby’s long-term potential in India and beyond.” 

About Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU)

Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) or Rugby India, founded in 1998, is the sole governing body for the sport of Rugby in India. Recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sport, Govt. of India, Rugby India is a full member of World Rugby, Asia Rugby and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The body is responsible for the growth & development of the sport of Rugby across the country from the grassroots to the high-performance level.

IRFU is the sole governing body of all formats of the sport of Rugby in India for all genders and ages. The formats included are as follows: Rugby Union, Fifteen-a-Side Rugby, Seven-a-Side Rugby, 10-a-Side Rugby, 12-a-Side Rugby, Touch Rugby, Non-Contact Rugby – Tag Rugby, Flag Rugby, Beach Rugby, Snow Rugby, Wheelchair Rugby, Underwater Rugby.

Rugby has been included in the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) for all age-groups (U14, U17 & U19 boys & girls) and the National University Games for both Men & Women, under the aegis of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). 

For ease of functioning and development, geographically, the IRFU consists of 26-member State Associations and Units, each of which are responsible to promote and grow the sport in their respective states and units. Read more.   

About HSBC Rugby Premier League 2026

The HSBC Rugby Premier League (RPL) is India’s premier professional franchise-based rugby competition, created to elevate the sport’s profile and provide a world-class platform for players and fans alike. Featuring a mix of elite Indian and international rugby talent, the league showcases fast-paced Rugby 7s action in a highly competitive franchise format. Through its subsidiary GMR Sports, the GMR Group continues to serve as the Organizing and Marketing Partner, positioning RPL as a significant property on the global Rugby 7s calendar.

Following a successful inaugural season, the Rugby Premier League returns in 2026 with expanded participation and growing momentum for the sport in India. The league features six men’s franchises — Delhi Redz, Hyderabad Heroes, Kolkata Banga Tigers, Chennai Bulls, Mumbai Dreamers, and Bengaluru Bravehearts. In addition, women’s teams will be fielded by four franchises — Delhi Redz, Mumbai Dreamers, Chennai Bulls, and Kolkata Banga Tigers, further strengthening the league’s commitment to growing rugby across both men’s and women’s competitions in India. Read More.   

The HSBC Rugby Premier League

It will take place from 16 June to 28 June, 2026 at the Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad. The matches will be live streamed in India on JioHotstar and broadcast on Star Sports, starting 19:00 IST onwards.

Read more

Reimagining the future of Rugby in India

Rugby in India is moving from participation‑led growth to performance‑driven ambition. With a young talent pool, rising international exposure, and professional league structures now in place, the sport presents a unique opportunity to build sustainable capability from the ground up.

Capgemini’s partnership supports this transition by strengthening pathways from grassroots participation to elite performance, while aligning with India Rugby’s long‑term ambition of Olympic qualification by 2036.

  • Capgemini’s association with rugby at a global level spans nearly 30 years, reflecting the sport’s deep alignment with the Group’s culture and values.
  • Rugby has been closely associated with Capgemini since its founding, inspired by founder Serge Kampf’s passion for the sport and its emphasis on teamwork and collective performance.
  • Capgemini partnered with the Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) in 2022 as Associate Sponsor of the National Rugby Sevens Teams for Men, Women, Boys, and Girls.
  • The 2022–2025 phase of the partnership focused on driving inclusion and strengthening rugby at the grassroots level across India.
  • During this period, IRFU strengthened player development pathways and playing conditions, contributing to improved competitiveness at national and international levels.
  • Between 2021 and 2024, the technical and coaching staff nearly doubled, enhancing high-performance capabilities across Indian rugby.
  • By 2024, participation in national-level rugby competitions had increased significantly compared to pre-partnership levels.
  • The Indian Women’s Rugby Team achieved a historical milestone on the continental stage in 2024, by qualifying for the 2025 Asia Rugby Sevens Series.
  • Between 2022 and 2024, the Indian Women’s Rugby Team won five silver medals in Asia Rugby competitions, reflecting consistent international progress.
  • In 2024, IRFU was recognized by FICCI for its contribution to the development of sport in India.
  • In 2025, Capgemini renewed its partnership with IRFU until 2028 as Transformation Partner, marking a shift towards high performance, professionalization, and long-term growth.
  • Capgemini is also the Transformation Partner of the HSBC Rugby Premier League (RPL), Powered by AVID until 2028, India’s first franchise-based professional rugby league.
  • The Indian Men’s Rugby Team won silver at the Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy 2025 and earned promotion to the Asia Rugby Sevens Series 2026, marking another milestone in Indian rugby’s growth following the league’s launch.
  • Building on the inaugural 2025 season, the 2026 HSBC RPL, Powered by AVID will feature six men’s teams and introduce a women’s competition alongside the men’s tournament, creating a more inclusive and comprehensive platform for the sport.
  • Capgemini’s partnership aligns with IRFU’s long-term ambition of qualifying India for the Olympic Games, with a continued focus on performance excellence at every level of the sport.

Glimpses from Rugby Premier League 2025 in action from Mumbai stadium

Glimpses from partnership announcement event in Capgemini Mumbai Office, 2025

Learn more

World Rugby

Transforming sports

Women in rugby