Mohit Khatri Becomes India's Costliest Rugby Star as RPL Storms into Spotlight
Rugby Premier League unveils six franchises, 34 matches, and global icons for a power-packed June showdown.
BNH NETWORK
RPL Auction Roars: Khatri Makes History, Global Talent to Descend on Mumbai
Mumbai - The Rugby Premier League (RPL) has officially launched its maiden voyage, igniting a new chapter in Indian sports history with its first-ever Player Draft and Auction hosted in Mumbai. Making headlines was Mohit Khatri, who emerged as India’s most expensive rugby player, going to the Bengaluru Bravehearts for a staggering ₹4.75 lakh.
Billed as the world’s first franchise-based Rugby Sevens league, the RPL is the brainchild of the Indian Rugby Football Union and GMR Sports. The tournament kicks off on June 1 at Andheri Sports Complex, Mumbai, culminating with a grand finale on June 15.
With six teams, 34 matches, and a mix of global and domestic talent, the RPL promises a sporting spectacle unlike any seen before in India. Star players from nations like New Zealand, Fiji, South Africa, Great Britain, and USA will be seen locking horns with India’s finest in a high-octane, Olympic-format contest.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Mohit Khatri becomes India’s highest-paid rugby player at ₹4.75 lakh.
- 30 international players from top Rugby 7s nations to participate.
- 71 Indian players were part of the auction pool; 30 were selected.
- Six franchise teams with 13-member squads each.
- Tournament dates: June 1–15, 2025.
- Broadcast partner: JioHotstar.
FACT FILE: Rugby Premier League Auction Snapshot
| Franchise | International Players Drafted | Top Indian Pick (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru Bravehearts | Rosko Specman, Perry Baker, Maurice Longbottom | Mohit Khatri – ₹4.75 Lakh |
| Chennai Bulls | Terry Kennedy, Alexander Davis, Joseva Talacolo | Vallabh Patil – ₹1 Lakh |
| Delhi Redz | Jordan Conroy, Lucas Osadczuk, Alejandro Castro | Rajdeep Saha – ₹2.75 Lakh |
| Hyderabad Heroes | Regan Ware, Luciano Rizzoni, James Christie | Prince Khatri – ₹3.75 Lakh |
| Kalinga Black Tigers | Rosko Specman, Harry Mcnulty, Perry Baker | Ajay Deswal – ₹2.75 Lakh |
| Mumbai Dreamers | Waisea Nacuqu, Santiago Mare, Henry Hutchison | Neeraj – ₹2.75 Lakh |
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
Satyam Trivedi, CEO, GMR Sports:
“This league is a leap towards making rugby a household name in India. With international and domestic stars coming together, the RPL is set to inspire a generation.”
Rahul Bose, President, Indian Rugby Football Union:
“This journey has taken six years. With support from World Rugby, elite franchises, and global names, we’re ready to show the world what India can bring to Rugby Sevens.”
GLOBAL GLITZ MEETS DESI POWER
The RPL’s unique auction format brought together talent scouts, sports business giants, and rugby royalty under one roof. While Indian players like Mohit Khatri, Prince Khatri, and Rajdeep Saha broke into the limelight, the league also made waves globally by pulling in elite names from powerhouses like Fiji, Australia, Ireland, South Africa, and more.
Adding further depth are players from Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, and Argentina, who bring flair, firepower, and finesse into this melting pot of talent.
