Michael Coverdale, a seasoned player from the Hong Kong sevens team, has expressed his surprise and delight at being recognized in India amidst the ongoing Rugby Premier League (RPL). The RPL, which began its inaugural season on June 15, 2025, is the world's first franchise-based Rugby sevens league and is being held at the Mumbai Football Arena.
Coverdale, who is playing for the Delhi Redz, shared his astonishment at the recognition he has received since arriving in India. He noted that the experience has exceeded his expectations and is providing a welcome boost to the sevens format, which has been facing challenges in recent times. According to Coverdale, the opportunity to play alongside world-class performers in the RPL has been invaluable.
The RPL features six teams representing major Indian cities: Mumbai Dreamers, Delhi Redz, Bengaluru Bravehearts, Hyderabad Heroes, Chennai Bulls, and Kalinga Black Tigers. Each team consists of a mix of international stars from powerhouse Rugby Sevens nations, 'bridge' players from Hong Kong, Germany and Canada, and Indian rugby talents. This blend of experienced international players and emerging Indian athletes aims to elevate the standard of rugby in India and create a captivating spectacle for fans.
The league has attracted significant attention, with 30 marquee overseas players participating. These include renowned names such as USA's Perry Baker, a two-time World Rugby 7s Player of the Year, and New Zealand's Scott Curry, a six-time World Rugby Sevens Series champion. Olympic medalists Rosko Speckman (South Africa), Lucian Gonzalez (Argentina), and Joseva Talacolo (Fiji) are also showcasing their skills in Mumbai. Complementing these global stars are 30 top Indian players selected from a pool of 71, including notable names like Mohit Khatri, Karan Rajbhar, and Arpan Chhetri.
The RPL has adopted a unique format, with matches lasting 22 minutes and divided into four-minute quarters with two-minute breaks. This fast-paced structure is designed to maximize excitement and engagement for both live audiences and television viewers. Matches are broadcast live on Star Sports Select 1 and Star Sports Select 1 HD TV channels in India, and are also available for live streaming on JioHotstar.
The involvement of Hong Kong players like Coverdale is viewed as a significant opportunity for their development. Paul John, head of Hong Kong sevens rugby, emphasized the importance of gaining experience outside the usual high-pressure tournaments. He believes that the RPL provides a valuable environment for Hong Kong players to learn from world-class players and coaches, enhancing their skills and broadening their perspectives.
The Rugby Premier League is a significant step towards promoting rugby in India. The league has been structured to mirror the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in cricket, aiming to capture the imagination of Indian sports fans and the global rugby community. By combining international talent with local players, the RPL seeks to create a sustainable platform for the growth of rugby sevens in India.
